Shin Min Daily News<\/em><\/a>\u00a0found that the first and third floors still have a steady number of clothing shops and nail salons with moderate customer flow.<\/p>\nIn contrast, nearly 80 per cent of units on the second floor were closed, with metal shutters pulled down and few shoppers visible.<\/p>\n
Shop assistants at the remaining stores sat at their entrances waiting for customers.<\/p>\n
Out of nearly 100 shops on the second floor, only about 20 remain in operation. Most of these are located away from escalators and staircases. Signs outside several closed units indicated closures and listed contact numbers.<\/p>\n
Leases end and tenants opt out<\/h3>\n
One business owner, who declined to be named, said many closures coincided with the expiry of leases on 31 March.<\/p>\n
Many tenants chose not to renew, citing weak business conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cBusiness has been difficult. Compared to the past, foot traffic has declined significantly. Many tenants simply moved out once their leases ended, leaving only a handful of us behind,\u201d the owner said.<\/p>\n
Another clothing retailer, who also declined to be named, said the departure of neighbouring tenants has further deterred shoppers from visiting the second floor. The retailer said revenue had fallen by nearly 60 per cent.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany people come up, see so many shops closed, and assume the whole floor is empty. They don\u2019t even walk further in. Some days, fewer than 10 people come by,\u201d the retailer said.<\/p>\n
Long-time operators scale back<\/h3>\n
Zhou (transliterated), 50, who has operated a clothing store on the second floor for nearly 16 years, said she has watched foot traffic steadily decline over time.<\/p>\n
She has closed several of her outlets in the past two years.<\/p>\n
According to Zhou, seven more shops chose not to renew their leases this year. Li (transliterated), who runs a clothing store on the first floor, said customer numbers have fallen since Chinese New Year.<\/p>\n
The store now relies largely on weekend shoppers and domestic helpers.<\/p>\n
Another retailer said shops previously operated until around 10pm, but customer flow now drops sharply after 7pm or 8pm.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes we close as early as 9pm,\u201d the retailer said.<\/p>\n
Tenants have also been forced to reduce prices. \u201cItems that used to sell for S$25 are now going for S$15,\u201d one retailer said, citing efforts to stimulate demand.<\/p>\n
Management outlines revitalisation plans<\/h3>\n
According to Shin Min Daily News, a Bugis Street spokesperson said management is working to \u201crefresh and revitalise this consolidated space into a more social and community-oriented destination.\u201d<\/p>\n
The representative highlighted plans for a youth-focused retail concept, building on previous initiatives such as vintage weekend markets and photo booth attractions. Management hopes the changes will attract new visitors and encourage spending.<\/p>\n
Online discussions largely blame e-commerce for the downturn, with commenters saying online platforms offer lower prices, broader selection and convenience.<\/p>\n
Many also point to high rental costs, calling for landlords to reduce rents to support small businesses.<\/p>\n
Others cite poor layout and visibility, noting that many shoppers were unaware of the second floor or found it unappealing.<\/p>\n
Some criticised repetitive product offerings and declining quality.<\/p>\n
A minority suggested redevelopment or repurposing the space entirely, reflecting scepticism about its commercial future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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