Times passed, its Christmas again.
This year Christmas however is rather quiet in Orchard Road due to the impact of Covid-19. Performances were cancelled, social gatherings restricted, decoration much simpler. Even the traditional giant Christmas Tree that used to highlight the entrance of Ngee Ann City is replaced by the set up of Covid-19 contact tracings facilities.
Although the Festival moods is still evident, it is foreshadow by the presence of Covid-19. The crowd is much lesser than before.
Paragon Orchard still the same as before.
But CK Tang below certainly has changed, no shiny lights. Notice the bus stop in its front, less crowded and this is Christmas Eve, a far cry from the old time scene when it was usually crowded with people.
The traditional entrance into the main shopping district of Orchard Road still look shiny as before.
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This clearly shows the impact of the Covid-19 on the retail business of shopping malls, with lesser retail crowd, business owners now have to rely on online sales and delivery orders to sustain their business. I witnessed one restaurant at Wheelock Place where while they were still serving retail customers within their restaurant, they were busy packing delivery meal orders on one side of the restaurant. Such a sight was never seen before the impact of Covid-19.
This send a clear signal to all business owners. The world has changed, it is unlikely the past of glory will ever return, business now has to evolve to keep up with changing time.
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