The Evolution of Markets in Singapore
The Evolution of Markets in Singapore
Contents Introduction 2 2. The Local Wet Market 2 3. Changing landscape 3 4. Coexistence of Wet Markets and Supermarkets 4 5. Government intervention on retail landscape 5 6. Sustainability of local wet markets 5 7. Citation / Reference 6 8. Photo Essay – The Evolution of Markets in Singapore 7
Introduction
Wet markets used to be the mecca for fresh food at excellent prices in Singapore. As the name suggest, they open air market with perpetually wet floor. It is often an integral part of the neighbourhood offering a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, fishes, dry food, spices and even flowers.
In the recent years, we have seen the emergence of modern markets. Supermarkets such as Sheng Shiong, Giant, NTUCFairprice have become a threat to the existence of wet markets. In September 2009, Sembawang market tenants were given a month notice to move out with the intention of replacing the tenancy to NTUC FairPrice. Although the replacement did not materialise, the tenants were left anguished and it showed the volatility of wet markets in today’s changing landscape.
Through research, photos and interviews with market tenants and customers, this paper will explore the possibility of the co-existence of the conventional wet markets with modern supermarkets. We will also question the sustainability of the wet markets and how the government has played their part to ensure the survival of conventional markets today.
2. The Local Wet Market
A very early Sunday morning was spent at Geylang market observing the activities and patrons of such wet market. As early as 7am, housewives started to flock the market as they believe early bird catches the freshest fishes. Through observation, the market attracts the older domestic ladies between the age of 35 to 60. Although there were younger couples, they were not significant in number.
From the informal interview with some of the local
Contents Introduction 2 2. The Local Wet Market 2 3. Changing landscape 3 4. Coexistence of Wet Markets and Supermarkets 4 5. Government intervention on retail landscape 5 6. Sustainability of local wet markets 5 7. Citation / Reference 6 8. Photo Essay – The Evolution of Markets in Singapore 7
Introduction
Wet markets used to be the mecca for fresh food at excellent prices in Singapore. As the name suggest, they open air market with perpetually wet floor. It is often an integral part of the neighbourhood offering a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, fishes, dry food, spices and even flowers.
In the recent years, we have seen the emergence of modern markets. Supermarkets such as Sheng Shiong, Giant, NTUCFairprice have become a threat to the existence of wet markets. In September 2009, Sembawang market tenants were given a month notice to move out with the intention of replacing the tenancy to NTUC FairPrice. Although the replacement did not materialise, the tenants were left anguished and it showed the volatility of wet markets in today’s changing landscape.
Through research, photos and interviews with market tenants and customers, this paper will explore the possibility of the co-existence of the conventional wet markets with modern supermarkets. We will also question the sustainability of the wet markets and how the government has played their part to ensure the survival of conventional markets today.
2. The Local Wet Market
A very early Sunday morning was spent at Geylang market observing the activities and patrons of such wet market. As early as 7am, housewives started to flock the market as they believe early bird catches the freshest fishes. Through observation, the market attracts the older domestic ladies between the age of 35 to 60. Although there were younger couples, they were not significant in number.
From the informal interview with some of the local