Vendors face challenges with low sales and high stall rents, while shoppers are dissatisfied with the lack of variety.
Deepavali Bazaar Faces Difficulties as Rent Costs Soar and Shoppers Stay Away
The annual Deepavali Bazaar in Little India has faced a challenging 2023 season, with vendors struggling to cope with rising stall rents and low footfall, despite the bazaar’s festive importance. The event, organized by Singapore Night Bazaar (SNB), runs from Oct 14 to Nov 11, yet many vendors have seen disappointing sales and are forced to reduce their prices to attract customers.
G. Shanti, a vendor selling snacks, revealed that she had to cut the price of popular items like suji biscuits and murukku by 40% to increase sales. Despite the discounts, the crowds remain sparse, especially on weekdays when her stall receives only about 10 customers a day.
For Shamini, a henna artist, the slow start to the season has led her to sell children’s clothes in addition to her usual henna services, which she expects to pick up closer to Deepavali. The high rent, with prices rising by at least $500 from the previous year, has made it even harder for vendors to break even, especially given that stall costs can range from $4,000 to $6,000, not including additional fees for electricity and setup.
The situation has also been exacerbated by a noticeable decline in footfall. Ethan Hsu, retail head at Knight Frank, noted that the target market for the bazaar is relatively limited, comprising mainly the Hindu community in Singapore, which represents only about 5% of the population. Additionally, the widespread availability of similar products and foods online or in nearby shops makes it difficult for vendors to compete.
While the footfall might increase as Deepavali approaches, many shoppers, like Mrs. Suchitra Renga, were disappointed by the lack of variety and the absence of a festive atmosphere, leading them to leave the bazaar without purchasing anything. Others, like Rajkumar Krishna, mentioned that the food options were too limited, with past years offering a wider selection of street food like burgers and pani puri.
Despite the challenges, vendors remain hopeful, with some, like Madam Kalai, anticipating higher sales as the festival nears. However, the rising operational costs and the need to attract customers remain a significant hurdle for many.
The bazaar’s organizers, SNB, are aware of these issues but continue to focus on offering a clean and professional experience for both vendors and shoppers. The overall success of this year’s bazaar hinges on increased foot traffic and improving the variety and atmosphere to ensure that shoppers are drawn back in the weeks leading up to Deepavali.
