ST : People's Park Complex packed

Apr 25, 2010

People's Park Complex packed

By Shuli Sudderuddin

Forty years on, is People's Park Complex still popular with shoppers?

Yes, said tenants like Mr Tan Seng Hua, 45, who has worked in the building for 20 years. His family runs a shop called France Shoes.

He said the complex still attracts traffic, though it may not be as popular as it once was. The customers are largely middle-aged.

The New Bridge Road landmark, which opened in 1970, was crowded when The Sunday Times visited it last Friday and yesterday.

One shopper, who wanted to be known only as Jamie, had come all the way from Clementi to use the money-changer services.

'The rates are very good here so I don't mind the journey,' said the manager in her 30s.

A chef from China, who wanted to be known only as Mr Liu, said he often comes to pick up books.

'The books here are in Chinese so they're suitable for me. The stationery is also cheaper than elsewhere,' said the 39-year-old.

Spotted too were teenagers.

Ms Nur Ain Rahman, 18, a salesgirl, came with her family to buy blouses. Prices are from $10 and two blouses cost $16.

'The designs here are suited for the young and the clothes are really cheap, so I come here sometimes,' she said.

According to Ms Teo Choon Ling, 40, People's Park Complex used to have more retail outlets and families would come to shop.

Her family has run sound-equipment firm I-flex Marketing there over the last 30 years.

She noted that the mall now has many travel agents and massage parlours.

But there are other types of shops to draw consumers.

On the first floor are money- changers as well as shops and kiosks selling clothes and accessories. In the middle of the atrium is a store selling books and stationery.

There are also familiar chain stores such as Osim, SK Jewellery and KFC. The third floor is dotted with reflexology shops and older jewellery shops selling jade.

Tucked away in a long corridor is a series of dingy-looking massage parlours where staff wait in the doorway.

The presence of massage parlours does not bother Ms Jane Yee, 50, who runs wedding shop Moments That Last. She said she would stay as she has many regular customers.

Turning up regularly at People's Park Complex too are those who want to book packages and air tickets.

But there is also plenty of competition, said an employee of Super Travels who declined to be named.

There are at least eight travel agencies, with many on the higher floors. Big names include SA Tours and Five Stars Tours.

Do you shop at People's Park Complex? What do you like about it? E-mail your views to suntimes@sph.com.sg



Shoppers at People's Park Complex yesterday, just days after a fire had caused a mass evacuation. While the New Bridge Road landmark may not be as popular as it once was, it still attracts shopping traffic, particularly middle-aged customers. -- ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN