Breathing new life into the 'city of books': Tenants seek to rejuvenate Bras Basah Complex even as some bookshops falter
As at least one bookstore in the complex prepares to close, Mdm Soon, 70, has just completed a calligraphy exhibition at her fourth floor unit that was so successful, she's been asked to hold an exhibition every two months.
"The event ended yesterday (June 12) and there were so many people so the (Bras Basah Complex Merchants') Association told me to organise every two months. It's a bit of work, and I'm not sure if I will, but I'm glad the turnout has been great," she told TODAY on Monday.
The merchant association's chairperson, Ms Joyce Ong, who runs a fengshui store Gems Shine, said that she and her committee have been organising more events this year to attract more shoppers to the mall.
In the midst of efforts to rejuvenate the complex, its status as a bookshop hub, located next to the National Library, is taking a hit as in-store sales drop off.
Knowledge Book Centre is set to close down in the coming months as the store’s landlord searches for a new tenant.
