The_King Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 (Bloomberg) -- A walk down Orchard Road shows just how badly the coronavirus pandemic has hit Singapore’s famed shopping strip. Gone are popular restaurants like Modesto’s, which shut last month after 23 years. Also missing are the queues of Chinese tourists outside Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Malls along the 2.4 kilometer (1.5 mile) stretch, once one of Asia’s top shopping meccas, are dotted with empty stores. On a recent midweek afternoon, the number of shop staff idly dusting shelves or playing with their mobile phones rather than greeting customers is notable. Pedestrians walk along Orchard Road in Singapore. Photographer: Wei Leng Tay/Bloomberg “It’s the worst crisis for Singapore and Orchard Road,” said Kiran Assodani, who has run her custom tailor shop in one of the older malls for 35 years. The alterations outlet, which caters to both tourists and locals, has seen sales drop by 90% since the virus outbreak. “I don’t know if the shops can weather this storm.” Orchard Road’s malaise is a microcosm of the city-state’s pain. After initial success in containing Covid-19, an outbreak swept through scores of dormitories housing foreign workers, prompting a two-month partial lockdown that’s sending the economy toward its worst-ever recession. Global travel restrictions are robbing Singapore of around $20 billion in tourism receipts and the domestic market is too small to make up the shortfall. Originally the site of fruit, nutmeg and pepper farms in the early 19th century that gave the strip its name, Orchard Road’s transformation into a glitzy shopping hub -- the first department store opened in 1958 -- mirrored Singapore’s own growth from a relatively sleepy trading outpost to one of the world’s wealthiest nations. Now, it’s tracing the economy’s decline. Italian restaurant Modesto’s survived the SARS outbreak and the Asian and global financial crises during its more than two decades on Orchard Road, but buckled under the coronavirus. Instead of renewing his lease, owner Ashok Melwani decided to cut his losses and close for good. “If I renewed, I was signing up for a rollercoaster in the dark,” said the 62-year-old, who also closed a second Modesto’s outlet nearby. “I may bleed and bleed with no end in sight.” Pedestrians pass along Orchard Road in Singapore. Photographer: Wei Leng Tay/Bloomberg The downturn has hit luxury and bargain-basement retailers equally hard. Robert Chua, who runs a discount luggage store in Far East Plaza, reckons he can last about another two months. He used to take in around S$25,000 ($18,000) a month selling suitcases and backpacks to mostly American, European and Chinese tourists. Now, a S$300 day is a good one, and some days there are no customers at all. “Everyday I come to the store feeling sad,” said the 50-year-old. Inside his account books he keeps three S$50 notes -- a Chinese superstition meant to keep money flowing in, to no avail. “I can’t sleep thinking about the expenses I have to pay.” His S$6,000-a-month rent resumes this month after rental rebates provided by the government and some landlords ended in July. At least 20 stores in Far East Plaza, which is part owned by the billionaire family behind RB Capital, are empty, ‘For Rent’ stickers optimistically plastered on their shutters. A few blocks away at the more upmarket Ngee Ann City, part of Starhill Global REIT’s portfolio, it’s a similar story. Several shops are closed, including a Japanese restaurant and linen-fashion retailer British India. “It’s never been this bad and I’ve been working in retail since 1994,” said Nana Sahamat, the manager of Japanese clothing store Fray I.D. “Before the crisis, I’d be busy entertaining customers but I now spend more time in the backroom doing stock taking.” To be sure, Orchard Road was already losing its luster before the coronavirus hit. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands has drawn away wealthy tourists and domestic consumers alike with luxury retailers like Christian Louboutin, Fendi and Gucci, and fine dining restaurants such as Cut by Wolfgang Puck. Pedestrians wearing protective masks walk past a Victoria's Secret outlet along Orchard Road. Photographer: Wei Leng Tay/Bloomberg More cost-conscious shoppers meanwhile are heading to suburban malls flush with high-street brands like Uniqlo, Zara and Topshop, and no longer see the need to venture to Orchard Road. “Before the pandemic, Orchard Road had already seen a decline in foot traffic and sales,” said Wong King Yin, a lecturer in marketing at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. “Only when international tourism has fully resumed, the economy has recovered and everyone is willing to spend, and when Orchard Road is able to offer unique experiences more than just shopping, then the district can attract people like it did during its peak,” she said. There have been repeated attempts to rejuvenate the area. CapitaLand Ltd.’s futuristic Ion Orchard mall was opened in 2009 and shoppers can get everything they need -- from luxury jewelry and fashion to affordable brands like Swarovski. There’s also a huge basement food court showcasing fast food and Singapore street delicacies. The strip has also dabbled in midnight shopping, monthly pedestrian nights, and a S$40 million makeover to widen sidewalks. “The experiences introduced still aren’t able to ‘wow’ consumers,” Wong said. Last year, the government unveiled fresh plans to transform Orchard Road into a “lifestyle destination.” It’s envisaged the strip will be divided into four precincts each with its own focus, such as arts and culture, a youth hub and a garden district. “Like many other cities, Singapore is studying possible changes in consumer behavior and the impact of the pandemic on our urban development plans,” the Singapore Tourism Board and Urban Redevelopment Authority said in an emailed response to Bloomberg questions. “Where appropriate, we will look at adjusting and fine tuning specific plans.” For restaurant owner Melwani, it’s all a little too late. “Orchard Road definitely has its charms, but I fear the ship has sailed,” he said. “I honestly don’t know what can bring back the glamor.” For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManOfTheHour Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 Ask STB spend few millions again lor 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homelander Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 Fri i just went orchard for the first time since CB...sibei crowded everywhere...a lot of people at Taka, Wisma, 313, Ion... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 8 minutes ago, Homelander said: Fri i just went orchard for the first time since CB...sibei crowded everywhere...a lot of people at Taka, Wisma, 313, Ion... Ytd moi went out with moi fren after so many mths Shalala lala la la ~ 🌠 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homelander Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 3 minutes ago, Chestnut said: Ytd moi went out with moi fren after so many mths Where did you go? Your mama now fang xin to let u go out? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 10 minutes ago, Homelander said: Where did you go? Your mama now fang xin to let u go out? Bishan side lor. Other time go out with fren she neber say anything. She seems abit of control freak Shalala lala la la ~ 🌠 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManOfTheHour Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 25 minutes ago, Homelander said: Fri i just went orchard for the first time since CB...sibei crowded everywhere...a lot of people at Taka, Wisma, 313, Ion... But noone is buying stuff. Go there to compare price, try size then buy online 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManOfTheHour Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 5 minutes ago, Chestnut said: Bishan side lor. Other time go out with fren she neber say anything. She seems abit of control freak Why everyone in your life bit siaolang or got some issue. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homelander Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 7 minutes ago, Chestnut said: Bishan side lor. Other time go out with fren she neber say anything. She seems abit of control freak Baobei nv er is like that...hehehe 3 minutes ago, ManOfTheHour said: But noone is buying stuff. Go there to compare price, try size then buy online Yeah maybe, i never notice if they are carrying shopping bags or not but a lot of fashion people out there again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 2 minutes ago, ManOfTheHour said: Why everyone in your life bit siaolang or got some issue. My sis got issue de. Smol smol thing only get angry. I felt mum is part of an issue. I ever confronted her over her cold war behavior before, abit one kind like if u dun follow her instruction or wanna study further away from home she will accuse of trying to gain independence Shalala lala la la ~ 🌠 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManOfTheHour Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 2 minutes ago, Homelander said: Yeah maybe, i never notice if they are carrying shopping bags or not but a lot of fashion people out there again If i go orchard it is with the purpose to buy stuff. Certain things need to buy in person. now with covid, i rather stay at home n not bring baby out unnecessarily 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManOfTheHour Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 2 minutes ago, Chestnut said: My sis got issue de. Smol smol thing only get angry. I felt mum is part of an issue. I ever confronted her over her cold war behavior before, abit one kind like if u dun follow her instruction or wanna study further away from home she will accuse of trying to gain independence That escalated fast again lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 2 minutes ago, Homelander said: Baobei nv er is like that...hehehe She used to praise my cussie. She duno the true self of my cussie also. If this cussie be her daughter she will die of heart attack. This cussie quite attitude type . Aiya..grass is greener on the other side, if people dunno how to appreciate then nvm lor Shalala lala la la ~ 🌠 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 3 minutes ago, ManOfTheHour said: That escalated fast again lol Anyway..thw studying example which i quoted earlier is schooling days la. I know over liao, but i just bring it up to say as example nia Shalala lala la la ~ 🌠 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socrates469bc Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 waiting for shaw centre and the cathay to sell on the cheap. wahahahhahahha 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socrates469bc Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 44 minutes ago, Homelander said: Fri i just went orchard for the first time since CB...sibei crowded everywhere...a lot of people at Taka, Wisma, 313, Ion... 36 minutes ago, Chestnut said: Ytd moi went out with moi fren after so many mths the only reason i still go orchard road is becos of cold storage taka. many specialty food only available there. and yes, at same time, i go massimo dutti to pick up on season clearance. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socrates469bc Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 47 minutes ago, Homelander said: Where did you go? Your mama now fang xin to let u go out? 36 minutes ago, Chestnut said: Bishan side lor. Other time go out with fren she neber say anything. She seems abit of control freak seems like @Chestnut is a kim cha bo kia. a match with our resident kim kia kgk xdd @HarrisY . the both of u shld have a meeting of kim kias. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homelander Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 4 minutes ago, socrates469bc said: seems like @Chestnut is a kim cha bo kia. a match with our resident kim kia kgk xdd @HarrisY . the both of u shld have a meeting of kim kias. Wahahaha this will be interesting...can i go also? i will just lurk at a corner and not interrupt... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 9 minutes ago, Homelander said: Wahahaha this will be interesting...can i go also? i will just lurk at a corner and not interrupt... Can can. I wan u to lurk Shalala lala la la ~ 🌠 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 13 minutes ago, socrates469bc said: seems like @Chestnut is a kim cha bo kia. a match with our resident kim kia kgk xdd @HarrisY . the both of u shld have a meeting of kim kias. Can say half kim bo? Cos not as jialat as young time. She also tok to my older sis like xmm. But my older sis really very capricious like xmm 1 Shalala lala la la ~ 🌠 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socrates469bc Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 42 minutes ago, Homelander said: Yeah maybe, i never notice if they are carrying shopping bags or not but a lot of fashion people out there again 40 minutes ago, ManOfTheHour said: If i go orchard it is with the purpose to buy stuff. Certain things need to buy in person. now with covid, i rather stay at home n not bring baby out unnecessarily speaking of which, i m missing those sats of watching jc/sec ah lians having their lunches at shaw centre mcd. haiz.......... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socrates469bc Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 12 minutes ago, Homelander said: Wahahaha this will be interesting...can i go also? i will just lurk at a corner and not interrupt... 3 minutes ago, Chestnut said: Can can. I wan u to lurk @Homelander kor kor will be bodyguard in case kgk xdd @HarrisY cannot control his pgd urges and decides to attack ur pgd. he will sacrifice his pgd to save u. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_King Posted August 3, 2020 Author Share Posted August 3, 2020 54 minutes ago, ManOfTheHour said: But noone is buying stuff. Go there to compare price, try size then buy online there a word which say it stealing, but i cant find the correct word Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_King Posted August 3, 2020 Author Share Posted August 3, 2020 i want buy watch cause mine spoil, got money also scare to buy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManOfTheHour Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 36 minutes ago, socrates469bc said: speaking of which, i m missing those sats of watching jc/sec ah lians having their lunches at shaw centre mcd. haiz.......... I used to tackle intl school girls at ljs n pizza hut too lol. Some look 25 but knn only 14 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now