Originally posted by shinta:
[b]Shoppers, retailers generally not affected by GST
increase
By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 01 July 2007 2034
hrs
SINGAPORE: The 2 percentage point increase in the Goods and
Services Tax has kicked in on Sunday, but many shoppers continue to
dip into their wallets to make purchases.
Along the busy retail belt at Orchard Road, many were still spotted
with shopping bags, even though they had to pay more tax on their
items.
Many shoppers said the 2 percentage point GST increase is still
manageable.
Noridah Abrasip, one of the shoppers in town, said: "The GST
increase does not make much of a difference for sundry items that
we need at home. As for more luxury items, we only buy them once in
a while anyway."
Svann Tan, another shopper, said: "Life will still continue
shopping, eating. The GST increase is a government rule; we just
have to bear with it."
Although some Singaporeans said they would try to spend more
wisely, they admitted at the same time that the GST here is still
lower than many other countries.
That is one reason why the hike has not deterred tourists from
shopping.
Denise Leber, a tourist from Austria, said: "It doesn't affect me
because in my hometown, the tax is 20 percent. So it's much cheaper
here than at home."
Inn Indin Kliew, a tourist from Malaysia, said: "One privilege for
the tourists who return by air is that they can still get the tax
refund."
Retailers, too, are not worried.
They said the economy has done well and has boosted consumer
confidence.
Moreover, shoppers have had time to adjust to the idea of the GST
hike as the increase was announced last November.
Edward Tan, Director of Operations, Metro, said: "If you look at
the traffic flow, there's not much of a difference. I think
Singaporeans don't feel that big a pinch."
Retailers said they would continue to monitor the GST impact on
sales and buying habits, especially after the Great Singapore Sale
ends on 22 July.
- CNA/so [/b]
Thanks for posting the article.
Nothing new, always pick on what they want people to know and then
announce to the public. The increase does not have much impact on
the rich. Interview tourist to get comments is irrelevant, they are
not living here. I dont believe all gave positive answers what
about people who replied negatively , CNA just could not be
bothered with them!!
