Retail markets in Singapore aim for physical comeback as Covid-19 curbs ease

A physical space allows small and micro businesses to interact with customers in person while selling their wares.

Megan Cheah

Published Thu, Mar 31, 2022 · 05:50 AM

Retail

WHILE many retail establishments turned to e-commerce to stay afloat amid the pandemic, operators of physical retail markets are still committed to the in-person experience, hoping to revive their trade as Covid-19 curbs relax.

Usually held for a limited time, these markets provide booths where small and micro businesses can sell their wares. As such vendors already have their own e-commerce platforms, retail markets are valuable as an avenue to interact with customers in person.

With their core business model premised upon physical sales, retail market operators have held out for a return to in-person events once the pandemic situation allows - which may finally be happening.

Singapore started to streamline safe management measures from Mar 15, and has loosened c…