STB Investigating Shop in Orchard That Garnered Massive Crowds Despite ‘Repeated Advisories’

Seeing a large crowd in 2020 is like seeing a PMD rider on a footpath in 2020; you hardly see them, but when you do, it makes you mad.

Since the circuit breaker, Singaporeans have largely heeded the warnings of the authorities, and abided by Covid-19 regulations.

However, the dwindling number of infections may embolden some to take more risks and flout safe distancing rules.

And that’s exactly what happened in Orchard last night (4 Dec).

STB Investigating Shop in Orchard That Garnered Massive Crowds Despite ‘Repeated Advisories’

Everyone’s favourite sneaker store Foot Locker is under investigation after massive crowds were spotted outside its Orchard Gateway outlet on Friday night.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) released a statement the next day saying it was aware of the incident and that investigations are under way.

Pictures that circulated on social media showed throngs of sneaker fanatics crowding outside the store, clearly breaching Covid-19 safe distancing rules.

Police vehicles were also seen in some of the photos, according to CNA.

Eventually, when Safe Distancing Ambassadors and police officers arrived at around 8.30pm, the crowds dispersed, probably fearing a $300 fine would take away their sneaker money.

STB said it will not hesitate to punish individuals or businesses that breach safe management measures.

It added that Foot Locker has received warnings in the past about crowd management, but to no avail, it seems.

“Investigations are under way as Foot Locker stores have received repeated advisories about crowd management but continue to hold events that draw large crowds,” said Ms Ranita Sundramoorthy, director of safe management measures operations at STB.

“STB takes a serious view of any breach in safe management measures, and will not hesitate to take actions against individuals and businesses that do not comply with them”.

First-time offenders who breach safe management measures may face a jail term of up to six months, a $10,000 fine, or both.

Repeat offenders may be imprisoned for up to a year, fined $20,000, or both.

Opened Largest Store in Orchard in August

For the unacquainted, Foot Locker is an American sportswear and footwear retailer, with its headquarters in New York City.

In 2018, it expanded its operations and opened a store in Singapore, in Century Square.

Then, in Aug 2020, Foot Locker opened its largest store yet on Orchard Rd, exciting sneakerheads all over the country.

Located in Orchard Gateway @Emerald, the new store has three-levels, including half a basketball court which celebrates the store’s affinity for basketball culture.

Foot Locker has always been popular with locals, but if the store wants to continue selling beautiful shoes, it should heed the warning of the authorities.

Likewise, sneaker enthusiasts should not let their fervor for sneakers cloud their judgement.

Featured Image: Reddit