Chinanews.com, June 16 According to Singapore’s Lianhe Zaobao, from July 9 this year to January 10 next year, Singapore’s Chinatown stall owners’ rents will be lowered.

In the first five months, the stall owner enjoys a 60% rent discount, and the sixth month is rent free.

This concession is not limited to new tenants. Existing stand-alone booth operators also get help.

　　To provide independent stall operators with a rental discount of more than 60%, the Chinatown Merchants Association hopes to encourage new tenants to settle in Chinatown Market, especially businesses that promote arts, cultural heritage and local brands, to make Chinatown more attractive Force attractions.

　　Affected by the new crown pneumonia epidemic, the Chinatown area has lost business for tourists in the past year and a half, and the flow of people has been greatly reduced.

There are 69 independent stalls in the markets along Smith Street and Terengganu Street, some of which have been closed, including stalls selling tourist souvenirs.

　　Lin Yuxuan, executive director of the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, said that the Chamber of Commerce hopes to attract new tenants to Chinatown through rent concessions, use independent booths to promote their products and services, and implement innovative ideas.

　　This concession is not limited to new tenants. Existing independent stall operators can also get help. They will continue to operate in Chinatown.

　　From July 9 this year to January 10 next year, the rent of the stall owners will be lowered.

In the first five months, the stall owner enjoys a 60% rent discount, and the sixth month is rent free.

The rent for food stalls currently ranges from 3000 to 3300 yuan (Singapore dollars, the same below) a month, and the rent for non-catering retail stalls is between 2000 and 2200 yuan.

　　Lin Yuxuan said: “While we are helping existing tenants, we also want to encourage other businesses to do business in Chinatown. With this rent concession, the capital they have to bear is not high, and they can use a six-month short-term lease to try. I hope this will inject vitality into Chinatown."

　　In addition to art and cultural products, the Chamber of Commerce also welcomes other entrepreneurial ideas. The focus is to meet the market characteristics of Chinatown and drive popularity in the market.

Vendor: Business volume plummeted due to the epidemic, rent discounts really help

　　The stall owner Du Yahei (65 years old) has been selling roasted chestnuts on Terengganu Street for 17 years. Due to the epidemic, his business has plummeted by about 70%.

When interviewed, he said: "Without foreign tourists, locals also go out less, business is difficult, and the main ones who come to patronize me are regular customers.

　　"My stall is in the corner, and the rent is 3,300 yuan per month. The discount provided by the Chamber of Commerce is helpful to me. But business can't be'independent'. No other stalls are operated, which will also affect the popularity of this place. Hope more Many businesses can take advantage of the rent concessions to do business in Chinatown."

　　Lin Aixin has also been in business in Terengganu Street for many years, selling bamboo cakes and other cakes.

Although the business is difficult, she still operates as usual and satisfies the loyal customers who will come to visit from time to time.

She expects that more customers will return after the epidemic improves.

　　"Rental discounts can help us bear part of the cost, but I hope it can encourage other businesses to come to Chinatown to sell other special or traditional food and products. More diversified products can also attract more people."

Scholars: More companies must be stationed to improve Chinatown’s deserted situation

　　Zhan Jiamin, senior lecturer in the Diploma of Tourism at Ngee Ann Polytechnic Institute, believes that the epidemic has caused many shops and stalls in Chinatown to close. Offering rent discounts and other discounts can help attract businesses to settle in. When more businesses enter, the deserted place can be changed. The situation has driven popularity and consumption.

　　Citizen Cheng Xiuying went to Chinatown to buy roasted chestnuts from the stall owner Du Yahei.

She said with emotion: "Chinatown is a cultural landmark of Singapore. It used to be very lively here, but now it is deserted and deserted. It is a bit sad to see it, and I hope it will regain its popularity soon."

　　Those interested in operating independent stalls should contact the Chinatown Merchants Association.

(Hu Jiemei)