HDB unveils more initiatives to help shops

HDB has unveiled more initiatives to help shops, including the selection of 35 sites for  batch three of its Revitalisation of Shops (ROS) scheme.

The ROS, which started in November 2007, has already covered over 3,000 shops. It provides part-funding for shop owners to carry out promotions and upgrade their shops. Participating shop owners have reported a 10 percent to 20 percent increase in sales.

For 2010, the budget for the scheme is estimated to be worth $6 million, and besides helping through ROS, the housing board will be granting half-month rent-free periods to shop owners who revitalise their shops. About $2 million per year has been allocated for this initiative, which is expected to benefit over 6,000 HDB shops.

Additionally, HDB has also launched a Where2shop@HDB Mobile website, which was unveiled last year to showcase shops in 148 locations. Where2Shop can now be accessed through mobile phones, with extra features like tenant profiles and details of promotions.