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SINGAPORE: The Lunar New Year is more than 40 days away but stalls in Chinatown are already gearing up for high rental rates for booths during the festive bazaar.
It's still 20 days before the annual festive street bazaar starts but by the looks of it, the Lunar New Year might've pounced on Chinatown early.
Kelly Zheng, Chinatown merchant, said: “We're starting earlier, hoping that we can earn more than others.”
Keh Poh Hin, Chinatown merchant, said: “I don't think it's too early, I've seen customers snap up 10 to 20 albums at one go.”
Tan Beng Yan, Chinatown merchant, said: “Westerners are becoming more interested in the Chinese zodiac, and we've seen them purchasing tiger knick knacks since yesterday for good luck.”
It's never too soon for festivities - celebrations begin on January 22 and will last 23 days till the eve of the Lunar New Year.
Locals and tourists can look forward to more than 500 booths selling festive goods.
But the rental rates for these booths don't come cheap - bids so far have gone up to S$9,000 - the highest in three years. - CNA/vm
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