New businesses bounce to Dunlop Street

DUNLOP Street has seen edgy new businesses sprout in phases over the last few years, but the recent wave of new openings hope to add even more variety to the already quite vibrant street.

In fact, four new businesses have popped up in the last few months. such as Flee Away cafe, owned by Fann Hui Ling, 40, and Wendy Cheong, 43. "We think every city dweller has a secret wish, even if it's just for a moment, to 'flee away' from the doldrums of life," says Ms Fann, who officially launched the cafe last Tuesday. For her, the attraction of Dunlop Street was its "old neighbourly charm". "We really love this area. It's so unpretentious, and rich in culture," says Norhafizah Nizammuddin, 28, operations manager of Rouse cafe, which opened on Dunlop in April. "It's close to train stations, but also a quiet escape from the usual overrated and always-so-bustling spots," she adds.

Dunlop might not be known for its style, but that's what month-old fashion boutique ThreeSixFive owner JR Chan, 27, and her parter Jermaine Ng, 43, find so attractive about it. "With its unique location and cultural mix, we hope Singaporeans will come to relish our history and traditions along with homegrown designers like us and other new local business concepts," says the menswear designer.