SINGAPORE: Despite the worsening economy, supermarket chain NTUC FairPrice will continue with plans to open another three outlets and to recruit more management staff.

The union-led cooperative has also pledged not to retrench workers in the next two years and plans to send some 5,000 frontline staff for further training.

NTUC FairPrice has also announced ways to make grocery shopping a little easier on the pocket for its customers.

Shoppers can save up to 25 per cent on certain items that have been labelled with yellow tags.

So far, 100 necessities have been labelled with the yellow tags, and the number is set to double by end-March.

Apart from this initiative, FairPrice will be extending its 5 per cent discount on 500 housebrand items till the end of the year.

It will also identify about 400 "Everyday Low Price" items and continue its 2 per cent discount for seniors on Tuesdays.

On top of that, NTUC FairPrice plans to help its small business suppliers ease their cash flow problems by paying them earlier and offering discounts on listing fees and advertisements.

These measures are expected to cost the cooperative about S$15 million.


- CNA/so