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Sheng Siong Supermarket: It's success is unique
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This letter was written in response to a series of reports and Letters to the Editor in which various individuals and organisations - including the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Consumers' Association of Singapore (Case) - called on businesses to reduce prices during the economic recession.

"Hard times"

Pepole are using the excuse of "hard times" to pressure businesses to lower their prices.

Willau TronicAs a small-business owner, I often get customers who want me to sell my products at close to, or even below, cost. But these are people who continue to draw salaries while a few are retired and rich. They do not deserve the support of the NTUC, Case or the Government.

To revive an ailing economy, those who can afford to spend should be encouraged to spend more, not less.

Many business owners are suffering very badly. They cannot even fold up their businesses to stop the losses because they are stuck with rental contracts. Yet they are criticised if they do not lower their prices.

I do have a few customers who never bargain. They tell me: "Make sure you earn enough." Sad to say, almost all of them are foreigners.

We need to follow their example. We cannot divide the nation into businessmen and workers, and squeeze one group to support the other.

If your neighbourhood store charges a bit more for its goods, you can:

  • Complain to the press and Case, as a few have done.
  • Go to a bigger store further away, where prices are lower. If you end up spending more because of transport, console yourself that you are helping the transport industry.
  • Pay the price and thank the neighbourhood store owner for providing a convenient service. In turn, he will thank you for helping to feed his family.

Published in The Straits Times
10 September 2001