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Crowds stay away from Chinatown street stalls in last weekend before CNY due to rain
Business on Sunday down by 50% to 70%.
![image](https://static.mothership.sg/1/2025/01/rain-chinatown-cny.jpg)
Chinatown stall vendors hawking Chinese New Year goods have been hit badly by the recent monsoon rain season.
On Sunday, Jan. 26, business was down by as much as 50 to 70 per cent, Shin Min Daily News reported.
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A Shin Min reporter visited the area comprising Pagoda Street and Temple Street, which is usually crowded on the last weekend before Chinese New Year on Jan. 29 and 30.
However, the stalls located on the streets outdoors were not patronised by the usual last-minute shoppers and revellers due to the pouring rain, resulting in tempered Chinese New Year vibes.
It was estimated to be about 50 per cent emptier.
This was compared to the crowded conditions just a few days ago, when the weather was fairer.
Wet weather bad for business
Some vendors interviewed said people stayed away on Sunday due to the rain and business fell by as much as 50 to 70 per cent.
The rainy monsoon conditions reportedly restarted on Saturday afternoon and did not cease.
There was a bit of a respite from the rain on Saturday afternoon, where it was relatively sunnier and warmer.
One vendor estimated the size of the crowd to be about less than half as compared to the crowd of a few days prior.
Another stall holder said she hoped the weather will get better just before Jan. 29, the first day of Chinese New Year.
The eve of Chinese New Year would typically see brisk business.
Vendors still optimistic
Many vendors were still seen hawking their wares with enthusiasm though.
Stalls, such as the jelly vendors, were seen giving out free samples before purchase, while others were cutting prices to give attractive discounts.
Some even provided free gifts with each purchase.
However, some vendors, such as one of those selling decorations, said there was little worry about having excess stock.
He explained that he was in the wholesale business originally, and the stall in Chinatown can cut prices to draw customers to push up sales volume.
One member of the public who visited Chinatown despite the rain, said she was there to soak in the atmosphere on Sunday evening.
There was little left for her to buy this final weekend, she said, as she had already stocked up on festive goods.
Top photo via Shin Min Daily News
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