China News Service, September 22. According to Singapore’s "Lianhe Zaobao" report, the mooncake market and live performances were missing, and the gorgeous Mid-Autumn Festival lighting failed to drive the crowds, and the crowds in Singapore’s Chinatown were greatly reduced.
The vendors interviewed revealed that the sales of mooncakes and lanterns this year have dropped by at least half, and the public sighs that the atmosphere is not as good as in previous years.
The reporter visited Chinatown on the 20th and found that most of the stores were closed, and there were only three or four shops selling mooncakes or lanterns. There were fewer people shopping than usual on weekends. It didn't feel like the weekend before the festive season.
Mr. Zhu (59 years old), who has been selling clothes in Chinatown for more than 20 years, starts selling lanterns every Chinese New Year.
He revealed that during the Mid-Autumn Festival in previous years, when Chinatown was hung up with lights, mooncakes and lantern stalls, accompanied by live performances, there would be 50% more crowds on weekends than usual.
Now affected by the epidemic, the mooncake and lantern vendors interviewed lament that their business has dropped by at least half, and some have dropped to 30%.
Du Yahei (65 years old), who has been running a chestnut stall on the roadside for about 40 years, sells mooncakes and grapefruits every Mid-Autumn Festival.
He said that the mooncake and grapefruit business fell by 70% this year. “Because there are not many customers, I can manage the stall by myself, including frying chestnuts and selling mooncakes and grapefruit.”
He said that in previous years, the markets not only attracted local customers to spend a few hours shopping, but also attracted tourists to experience the lively atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival. This year, there are only lighting decorations, and people at most come to see and leave, and the atmosphere is far worse than in previous years.
The person in charge of the Great China Bakery in Chinatown said that in the past, when the nearby stores became lively, there were many people coming and going, and many people passing by would be infected by the atmosphere and buy mooncakes.
"Although many regular customers will continue to buy moon cakes from us this year, overall, the business is still somewhat affected."
The economic downturn has also affected buying. Mr. Zhu said: "I found that many people asked about the price of lanterns this year and left without buying. In fact, we have sold several yuan cheaper than last year. I believe it is because of the economic ability of the Chinese people. Affected, so I am not willing to spend money."
Zhang Tianfa (60), who has been selling lanterns in Chinatown Building for about eight years, revealed that this year's business has dropped to 30%, which is the worst year.
He believes that even if the epidemic is so severe, even if the authorities allow some stalls or shows to be held, it is a bit disappointing and unable to attract customers because of measures such as safe distance and so many restrictions.
"I understand that the government implements these restrictions for safety. I can only say that encountering an epidemic is unfortunate."
Qiu Kaiyun (33 years old, administrative staff) visited Chinatown with his family on the 20th.
She originally wanted to bring her newly born baby to experience the festive atmosphere of Chinatown. She was a little disappointed to see the sparse crowds on the street.
"I would go shopping in Chinatown with my family during the New Year and New Year holidays. The impression of Chinatown should be very lively. Nowadays, there are only lighting decorations. I walked into the street and found that many shops did not do it. There were even fewer shops selling mooncakes or lanterns. , Really disappointed."
The buying is not prosperous, but the lighting still brings some heat.
Wang Ruilin (45 years old, housewife) and friends visited 20 days ago and took some photos in front of the lighting.
When she was interviewed, she said: "Although the Mid-Autumn Festival this year is not as rich as in previous years, I am still looking forward to seeing the lighting, because every year the Mid-Autumn Festival lighting is very beautiful." (Wang Yanting)