Shoppers tighten belts despite bargains in Orchard Road
By Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 February 2009 2001 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Recession woes have hit Singapore's shopping belt. Retailers are finding it harder to persuade consumers to part with their hard-earned cash despite the attractive post-Lunar New Year sales.

Crowds used to be a perennial sight along Orchard Road, but recession fears have drastically reduced those numbers.

Even post-Lunar New Year discounts of up to 70 per cent are not tempting enough.

One shopper said: "On other occasions, like when it's not the festive season, I would think that you can get better buys."

While a few took the opportunity to grab a few bargains, others are just content to take in the sights.

Some Orchard Road retailers Channel NewsAsia spoke to said sales during the post-Lunar New Year period are typically slow, while others are looking to increase the number of promotions to attract more customers.

However, the situation in the heartlands is looking less bleak. For example, shoppers at Toa Payoh Hub said the discounts are better.

Regardless of where they shop, Singaporeans said the recession has forced them to review their priorities and buy only what they need and not what they want. - CNA/vm