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Constant mall renovations raise business costs, hurt S’poreans

The constant renovations of our shopping centres and food courts bear examining (“Mall operator banks on revamps to cope with evolving landscape”; May 2).

The constant renovations of our shopping centres and food courts bear examining (“Mall operator banks on revamps to cope with evolving landscape”; May 2).

Although it is essential to upgrade old shopping centres and those in disrepair, relatively new ones are also being given makeovers, some of which are cosmetic in nature and with the same tenants playing musical chairs when business resumes.

This cannot be good for the average Singaporean. Hefty renovation costs are recouped via higher rent, and rental costs are passed on to customers. Apart from shoppers, many office workers rely on food courts at malls for their meals. With each upgrade, food prices rise. And unnecessary mall closures have other casualties.

Nascent businesses have insufficient time to build a customer base before having to shut for renovations. Entrepreneurs face a double whammy of income deprivation for several months and elevated rentals should they seek to resume business.

Hard times are being forecast. Developers and mall owners should consider carefully the effect of their decisions on businesses in this regard.

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