Sluggish sales for Suntec City Mall tenants since Sunday
By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 12 September 2006
1816 hrs
Sluggish sales for Suntec City Mall tenants
SINGAPORE: Business has nosedived between 40 and 70 percent for
many tenants at Suntec City Mall since the tight security and road
closure were enforced around the area on Sunday.
Selo Ozcelik, the operator of Deli Turk, says his restaurant has
seen better days even during SARS and the World Cup season.
Admittedly, this is the worst patch since he started the business
five years ago, with takings falling by 70 percent in recent
days.
Selo has also cut down the number of part-time staff.
It is the same story for his neighbours, with one of them opting to
keep its doors closed.
"We hope the management considers this and give us some rebate or
anything they can offer us," said Selo.
"Business was affected yesterday, by 40 percent, in fact today it's
even worse. Usually it's very crowded during lunch time, but now so
many empty chairs and tables," said Anthony Sim, Store Leader,
Cedele.
But most tenants are in no hurry to change their marketing tactics,
preferring a wait-and-see approach.
While some, who have introduced discounts, say shoppers aren't
biting.
"We have done 20 percent discount for our regulars, we contacted
them but they also say it's quite inconvenient to come over here,"
said Lim Tong Li, Push-Cart Operator.
Many tenants hope business will pick up over the next few days when
the delegates arrive at the convention site.
However, they are concerned that there may not be enough signages
leading them to the shopping mall.
Currently, the most direct route to the shopping area is this
entrance tucked at the end of the convention centre.
Tenants say the tight security and traffic diversions may have put
off some shoppers.
"If you look at the roads and the drive here, the traffic is pretty
smooth, car parks are open, people are moving around, I think after
the first day, more people are beginning to realise that the
shopping malls are open, business as per normal and life goes on,"
said Andre Lobo, Advertising & Promotion Manager, Suntec City
Development.
The Mall is also offering promotions to reward shoppers. - CNA
/dt
