[Bigiron]

😞 'We're forced into a corner': Singapore's 'mamak shops' could vanish amid high costs and changing shopping habits

"We are being forced into a corner by higher costs, online shopping and lower foot traffic. Worst of all, it is very hard to find someone reliable who is willing to take over," said Lim, Hwa Lee’s second-generation owner.

"I might have to close the shop in a few years, maybe even next year. I’m very tired, and there are many other things I want to do with my life, like travelling or product design."

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[EvertonDiehard]

The cost of running a small business like these mom and pop shops has been on the rise in recent years. This includes increases in rent, wages for staff and the cost of goods. This has made it more difficult for such "mamak" shop owners to turn a profit. My family is less likely to make frequent trips to the neighbourhood grocer for daily necessities. Instead, we go to supermarkets like FairPrice and Giant once a week, or opt for online grocery delivery services from Redmart.