Newsstand at Junction 8 to close at end of March 2025 after 30 years

After 30 years in the business, the newspaper stand "Newspoint" at Junction 8 will permanently close after Mar. 31, 2025.

In response to Mothership's queries, a Junction 8 spokesperson shared that the lease is scheduled to expire at the end of the month.

In addition, there will be no replacement tenant as the stand will no longer be available for rent from Apr. 1.

"Our team has been in close communication with the vendor and will continue to work closely with them till its last day of operations to ensure a smooth transition," said the spokesperson.

Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, the operator of the newsstand said he would miss the emotional connections he had established with the residents of that area.

The owner, 61-year-old Wang (transliteration), had taken over the business from a friend in 2011, where he sold newspapers and other knick-knacks.

Meant to close in 2024

Wang said the stand was meant to close in August 2024.

As such, he sought help from the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Member of Parliament Chong Kee Hiong.

With Chong's help, Wang was able to postpone the closure till the end of March 2025.

Wang told Shin Min Daily News that he felt embarrassed to trouble Chong again.

Still, he hoped the relevant authorities would consider letting the newsstand continue operations as it has served residents for many years.

Wang's stall would be open from 6am to 11pm everyday.

At times, he would open till midnight.

The only day off Wang takes is on Chinese New Year's Eve, when he will close the stand early at 6pm so that he can celebrate with his family.

One Mothership reader noted that the newsstand was a fixture of the bus interchange area.

"It will be really sad to see it go," he added.

Top photo via Google Maps