In the dynamic world of Singapore’s hawker centres, the bidding wars for stalls are proving to be as unpredictable as my wife’s temper. It seems that unlike the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), where bid prices seem to only escalate (at least for now), the hawker centre bids can swing in any direction.
Newton Food Centre: Sky-High Bids and Culinary Dreams
Over at the renowned Newton Food Centre, a place celebrated for its diverse array of local dishes that predominantly cater to tourists, the bidding war has escalated to unprecedented heights.
Recently, someone shattered records by placing a bid of $6,810 per month for a stall.
This ambitious bid outshone the previous record set in April, which was a substantial $6,320.
During the fervent bidding in August, this highly sought-after stall attracted no fewer than five eager bidders, with offers ranging from a respectable $3,300 to the staggering $6,810.
The Newton Hawker Centre Stallholders’ Association speculated that these high bidders might possess innovative business strategies that could thrive despite the post-pandemic reduction in late-night crowds.
Yes, I’m also surprised that there’s such an association.
Chinatown Wet Market: A Dollar Dream
Venturing to the vibrant corners of the Chinatown wet market, there is a narrative that contrasts starkly with the Newton Food Centre.
Here, a corner stall has witnessed a bid that is as astonishing as finding a parking space in Orchard Road during the weekend—a mere $1.
Yes, that’s not a typo, just a single dollar, which makes it cheaper than your daily kopi-o kosong.
The previous tenant, a fruit seller for three years at this location, has now pivoted to selling durians at a different stall.
Sharing his experience, Lim mentioned to 8World, “Back then, with a rent of $66, people were reluctant to venture deep into this corner, preferring to stay on the outside.”
But at $1, one might wonder if it’s a golden opportunity to store non-essential items, perhaps even your kids’ National Service equipment, right?
Despite this, veteran fruit vendors who have graced the market for over 30 years maintain that business is still flourishing. They underscore the significance of fostering friendly relations with customers and acquainting them with seasonal fruits.
However, they also observed a trend where the younger generation is gradually distancing themselves from market businesses, showing a preference for hawker stalls instead.
Hong Lim Market & Food Centre: The Bargain Bonanza
In another bustling locale, the Hong Lim Market & Food Centre has witnessed a solitary bid for a vacant stall on the first floor.
The bid?
A jaw-dropping $8.
For a stall to sell cooked food.
A customer reminisced about the time when the stall was operated by a young individual selling ban mian, although the success of the business remains shrouded in mystery.
Another stall owner chimed in, remarking, “It’s incredibly cheap, almost unimaginably so. It stands in stark contrast to the prices in other markets. You can definitely make a successful business with just $8.”
Despite the potential challenges posed by the less bustling location of these low-bid stalls, hawkers are optimistic that with delectable food, reasonable prices, and stellar service, attracting a steady stream of customers won’t be a hurdle.
And if all else fails, converting it into a storeroom for NS field packs seems like a viable plan, doesn’t it?
Over in TikTok, there’s a drama involving property agents that’s caused by us. Here’s what happened:
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