Retailers in Singapore are feeling the impacts of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak with fewer tourists and shoppers.

To help retailers tide through this tough period, real estate group CapitaLand Limited (CapitaLand) has introduced some support measures to help retailers at over 3,500 stores across 18 CapitaLand malls in Singapore.

Free parking for shoppers during lunch and dinner time

On Feb. 13, CapitaLand announced a S$10 million marketing assistance programme to run promotions and other mall-wide marketing initiatives, as well as complimentary booking of atrium spaces for retailers.

There will also be free parking for shoppers during lunch or dinner hours as well as cashback promotions and giveaway of STAR$ and eCapitaVoucher for CapitaStar members.

Customising support for retailers

Support will also be customised to respective retailers according to their specific needs and trades.

Jason Leow, President of CapitaLand Group, Singapore and International, said CapitaLand is "cognisant that [they] will succeed only when [their] retailers do" and so they are reaching out first to our retailers as their businesses have been directly impacted.

The support rendered to the retailers will also take into consideration the impact of the situation on the performance of their stores across the CapitaLand malls, Leow said.

CapitaLand will also provide retailers with the flexibility to operate for shorter store hours.

From Feb. 14, stores within all CapitaLand malls can choose to start from 11am and end after 8pm, while the malls will still operate from 10am to 10pm.

Chris Chong, the managing director of CapitaLand Singapore retail said: "We will continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to offer more support. CapitaLand and our retail partners have overcome past economic downturns brought on by severe acute respiratory syndrome and the global financial crisis. By continuing to work hand in hand, I am confident our retail ecosystem will ride through the current challenge.”

Top photo courtesy of CapitaLand