Mr Ye’s “Lucky” Stalls: From Pomelos to Big Bucks
It turns out that a point on Smith Street and Trengganu Street can command a $13,899 rental for the next Chinese New Year bazaar – the highest price ever for six years. The auction spot, dubbed the “lucky” stall, has become the holy grail for stallholders who want to fatten their wallets.
How the Highest Bid Made Its Splash
- Three bidders lined up in 2019, the lowest offering was a modest $2,700.
- This year’s minimum was set at $1,850.
- Mr Ye, a 55‑year‑old veteran with almost 30 years of stall‑ownership, clinched the spot for $8,399 last year.
He recently told The New Paper that he boosted his bid by $5,500 this year, feeling “no hesitation” because he heard his rival was recovering from an illness and likely to re‑enter the bidding fray. The two have been dusty duels for about a decade, and Ye lost to his opponent in 2017.
Stall Strategy & Pomelo Power
Looking ahead, Ye plans to sell pomelos at the “lucky” stall. Prices will range from $6 for a regular fruit to $12 for the big, juicy ones. He’s also eyeing the stall opposite the lucky one.
“I’ll rent the opposite space for roughly $5,000.”
This gives him a portfolio of five stalls, managed together with four partners, and a total rental bill of at least $20,000. “If I can’t snatch the lucky stall one year, the backup spot still guarantees foot traffic,” he says.
Other Products on the Line
Besides pomelos, Ye will be hawking Chinese sausages and snacks from the backup stall. Even though the rent is hefty, he’s confident: “I make a profit every year. The high rent may dent earnings slightly, but regular customers keep the business humming.” He estimates a yearly profit of $5,000–$6,000.
Side Gig & Community Role
When the bazaar’s quiet, Ye takes to selling durian in Katong. The 2019 Festive Street Bazaar, managed by the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations Organising Committee (a sub‑committee under the Kreta Ayer‑Kim Seng Citizens’ Consultative Committee), will feature 313 stalls. Food, decorations, everything are on display from 6 pm to 10:30 pm (Jan 18‑Feb 3) and 6 pm to 1 am on Feb 4, the Chinese New Year’s eve.
For Mr Ye, the “lucky” stall isn’t just a golden spot; it’s a platform to keep his business thriving, one pomelo at a time.
