Mr Wang, who already owns a unit at Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre, said he plans to shift his Toa Payoh operations there.
However, he is doubtful that his regular customers in the neighbourhood will patronise his Pasir Panjang premises as it is too far away for them.
“Here (at Toa Payoh), the location is quite centralised. So it’s quite accessible. Whereas Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre is on the (south) side, so it’s not so accessible to the public,” he said.
Vendors moving to Pasir Panjang said they will also face tougher competition from a larger number of sellers, and additional operation costs incurred will make it difficult for them to keep prices as low.
OTHERS TO RETIRE
Meanwhile, some grocers told CNA they will be closing up shop for good and retiring.
“We are all getting on in years, most of us are over 60 years old. We’ve been doing this for over 40 years, it’s time to retire,” said Mr Toh, the owner of Yi Xiang Vegetable Dealers.
“It’s difficult to (do this business these days), vehicle costs are expensive, how to continue?” he said, adding that his fellow older sellers are also contemplating quitting the trade.