October 21, 03:01 AM 
514 Chai Chee Lane 03-16, Singapore 469029 Tian Kee provision shop in Dakota Crescent has called it a day last week after operating for 54 years.
The business is run by a husband and wife team: 84-year-old owner Lim Tian Han and his 76-year-old spouse.
The death knell for the business sounded when NTUC FairPrice opened across the street from the provision shop a few years ago causing its business to naturally fall.
Tian Kee's decline was compounded by rising rentals.
When Housing Board increased rentals a few years ago, Lim approached MP for Dakota Crescent Lim Biow Chuan, for help.
The rental increase was eventually capped and staggered over three years so that the shop could stay afloat.
Lim started the provision shop after leaving Muar in 1958 for Singapore. He revealed that his humble shop enabled him to raise four children.
Now that the shop has closed for good, a vintage buff has bought the iconic turquoise signboard for an undisclosed amount.
All photos from remembersingapore.wordpress.com
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