Worst could be over for retail Reits

IT was not too long ago that Singapore's malls were eerily silent, as the "circuit breaker" kept consumers at home and rendered the once bustling shopping centres a veritable ghost town.

But things have started to turn around, and suburban malls are leading the recovery as shoppers flock to their neighbourhood retailers in search of a bite, entertainment, retail therapy or groceries. Anecdotally, business in the food & beverage (F&B) sector is picking up - with some restaurants even seeing brisk business.

With leisure travel still on hold, Singapore residents could also channel their dollars into staycations - creating a spillover effect for retailers and F&B players in or near hotels.