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NTUC Fairprice in Opposition ward closes

MarrickG

Alfrescian
Loyal
HCC.jpg


The NTUC FairPrice Supermarket at Hougang Community Club has closed down with effect from today. The outlet especially serves many elderly residents in the opposition-held ward of Hougang.

While reasons such as NTUC FairPrice’s restructuring and upgrading have been cited as reasons for the closure, some residents TOC spoke to in Hougang questioned why an established name such as NTUC FairPrice, with its well-known government links, would suddenly close down, leaving residents bereft of the convenience of a well-placed supermarket that has served them well over the years.

They wonder if it is a subtle move to boycott an opposition-held ward by NTUC Fairprice.

One resident who identified himself as Andrew said, “HDB had taken down the wet market in Hougang and NTUC was set-up as an alternative. The outlet is well patronised by the old folks, housewives and working adults whu buy things on their way back home in the evenings. I cannot help but feel that this latest closure has got something to do with the ruling party loosing the wards of Hougang and Aljunied”.

Some other Hougang residents TOC spoke to however felt that the closure was due to high rental. The shop owners TOC spoke to also expressed this view.

The staff from the Member of Parliament’s office who spoke to us said that the closure is because NTUC Fairprice’s lease period had expired.

Some shop owners in the vicinity speculated that that a ‘Yes’ supermarket would be taking the place of NTUC FairPrice. But the MP’s office said they have no news of any new amenities that would be set-up in place of the supermarker which vacated the premise today.

Almost all residents TOC spoke to hoped that a suitable alternative supermarket would be set-up in NTUC Fairprice’s place, for the sake of convenience of the residents in Hougang SMC.

12 July 2011
Response from Mr Gerry Lee, NTUC FairPrice Managing Director (Business Groups)

Like any business operation, the decision to open a new store or to close down an existing store are commercial decisions driven by factors such as profitability of the store and competition.

Over the last few years, while we have opened many new stores, we also had to close down stores that were not doing well. Our stores at Queenstown and Jurong East are 2 stores that had to close down in the last few months due to commercial reasons.

Our lease at Hougang CC will expire at the end of this month and we took the opportunity to review the business viability of this store. We decided to close down this store as it was no longer a viable business option for us. We also took into consideration that we have other stores in the vicinity to serve our customers. In Hougang alone, we operate 4 FairPrice supermarkets and 1 FairPrice Xtra Hypermarket in Hougang Point. Two of our supermarkets also offer 24-hour shopping convenience and they are located at Kang Kar Mall and at Hougang Ave 4. We have put up notices at the store in Hougang Community Centre and informed our customers about these nearby FairPrice stores as well.

Our store at Hougang Community Centre closed on 11 July 2011 to give us time to clear out from the store.

We will continue to serve our customers in the Hougang area and will strive to provide quality products at value and service from the heart.
 

halsey02

Alfrescian (Inf)
Asset
Your title is very misleading, there are many Fairprice Supermarkets in Opposition ward. This one is in PA Community Club, which co-incidentally, is "own people". There are too many Fairprice supermarkets in any locations. For example, in where I live there are two, within walking distance, nine within bus ride distances; five of the nine, about 300m radius.

Go figure out !!
 
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