Evolution of Markets in Singapore
MUHD AZHAR ABDUL KARIM
The Evolution of Markets in Singapore
Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 2
2. The Local Wet Market ..................................................................................................................... 2
3. Changing landscape........................................................................................................................ 3
4. Coexistence of Wet Markets and Supermarkets ........................................................................ 4
5. Government intervention on retail landscape .............................................................................. 5
6. Sustainability of local wet markets ................................................................................................ 5
7. Citation / Reference ......................................................................................................................... 6
8. Photo Essay – The Evolution of Markets in Singapore .............................................................. 7
1|Page
The Evolution of Markets in Singapore Introduction Wet markets used to be the mecca for fresh food at excellent prices in Singapore. As the name suggest, they open air market with perpetually wet floor. It is often an integral part of the neighbourhood offering a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, fishes, dry food, spices and even flowers. In the recent years, we have seen the emergence of modern markets. Supermarkets such as Sheng Shiong, Giant, NTUC Fairprice have become a threat to the existence of wet markets. In September 2009, Sembawang market tenants were given a month notice to move out with the intention of replacing the tenancy to NTUC FairPrice. Although the replacement did not materialise, the tenants were left anguished and it showed the volatility of
The Evolution of Markets in Singapore
Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 2
2. The Local Wet Market ..................................................................................................................... 2
3. Changing landscape........................................................................................................................ 3
4. Coexistence of Wet Markets and Supermarkets ........................................................................ 4
5. Government intervention on retail landscape .............................................................................. 5
6. Sustainability of local wet markets ................................................................................................ 5
7. Citation / Reference ......................................................................................................................... 6
8. Photo Essay – The Evolution of Markets in Singapore .............................................................. 7
1|Page
The Evolution of Markets in Singapore Introduction Wet markets used to be the mecca for fresh food at excellent prices in Singapore. As the name suggest, they open air market with perpetually wet floor. It is often an integral part of the neighbourhood offering a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, fishes, dry food, spices and even flowers. In the recent years, we have seen the emergence of modern markets. Supermarkets such as Sheng Shiong, Giant, NTUC Fairprice have become a threat to the existence of wet markets. In September 2009, Sembawang market tenants were given a month notice to move out with the intention of replacing the tenancy to NTUC FairPrice. Although the replacement did not materialise, the tenants were left anguished and it showed the volatility of