Heartlands abuzz with activity on Christmas eve

SINGAPORE: Orchard Road and downtown are known to be packed on Christmas eve, but in the heartlands, streets and shops are also abuzz with activities.

"This is where I’m staying for Christmas, so I come here every year," said Ian Scott, who was at a bazaar in a Toa Payoh mall. "Just look around, get some food... my wife wants to do some last—minute Christmas shopping,"

For most, the draw of the heartlands is convenience and proximity.

Many were doing last—minute Christmas shopping in the heartlands.

"In fact, this is the fourth time I’m here. I’ve been shopping and buying for my colleagues," said Josephine Ong, who was also shopping at Toa Payoh. "And today, I’m buying gifts for my loved ones because they are dropping by my place. There’re a lot of things to buy so I separate them, day by day."

Over in Serangoon, crowds were thronging nex mall.

"I didn’t want to squeeze with the crowds in Orchard, so I decided to come here instead," said 24—year—old Kenneth Tan, who was shopping for gifts at nex.

Retailers are throwing in discounts and other promotions.

James Woo, general manager at timepiece retailer H2 Hub said: "Usually we have different promotions every month. We have a team of marketing persons to think of different exciting promotions to draw (customers) back. For example, we have the emcee to give out a Samsung smart TV."

The retailers are reporting an increase of some 20 per cent in their takings during the Christmas period, compared to the average takings in other months.

— CNA/xq