Kampong Gelam Ramadan bazaar to have 15% fewer booths, stall rentals reduced by S$1,000

Key Concepts

• Ramadan Bazaar (Bazaar): A temporary market held during the month of Ramadan, traditionally featuring food, clothing, and festive goods.
• Booth/Stall: Individual vendor spaces within the bazaar.
• F&B (Food & Beverage): Stalls specializing in food and drink sales.
• Stakeholders: Individuals or groups with an interest in the bazaar’s success (vendors, visitors, authorities).
• Zone Differentiation: Dividing the bazaar into specific areas focusing on different product types (food, retail).

Reduced Booths & Increased Parking at Bluhm’s Ramadan Bazaar

This year’s Ramadan bazaar at Bluhm will feature a deliberate reduction in the number of booths – a 15% decrease – to create more parking space for visitors. This translates to a total of 103 booths, down from last year’s count. The decision to reduce booth numbers stems from the closure of a section of road previously used for the bazaar, specifically along Authority of Bluhm, with relocation to Sultan Gate Park. This relocation is intended to reduce costs associated with security and road closures.

The changes were implemented following feedback received from stakeholders, addressing concerns about parking accessibility. Organizers anticipate accommodating between 50-60 cars at the mall simultaneously, while utilizing the relocated space.

Financial Adjustments for Vendors

Alongside the reduction in booth numbers, rental costs have been lowered by $1000 per booth. This cost reduction is strategically designed to encourage vendors to pass the savings onto consumers, addressing concerns about rising prices at Ramadan bazaars. As stated by organizers, “since we are making it less… booth and we don’t want to… join where everybody is saying that Randy’s everywhere, it’s expensive. And so in the hope that that Iran is cheaper for the vendors, eventually we’ll try to, you know, encourage them to can see that to bring down their prices of their products.”

Bazaar Layout & Focus: Food & Culture

The bazaar will operate for 33 days, commencing on February 11th. A key focus of this year’s event is differentiating itself from permanent stalls in the district by emphasizing traditional food and raya treats. The majority of stalls will be F&B (Food & Beverage) focused.

The bazaar will be divided into three distinct zones:

• Zone A & B: Dedicated exclusively to food stalls.
• Zone C: A mixed zone featuring both food and retail stalls.

This zoning strategy aims to create a more organized and focused shopping experience for visitors.

Visitor Expectations & Cultural Programming

Organizers are projecting over 900,000 visitors throughout the 33-day event, a slightly higher target than the visitor numbers recorded in 2025. Beyond the commercial aspect, the bazaar will incorporate cultural programming, including speeches from regional guests and cultural performances. These performances are intended to educate the public about Malay-Muslim culture and the significance of Ramadan.

Logical Connections & Synthesis

The changes implemented for this year’s Ramadan bazaar at Bluhm demonstrate a strategic response to stakeholder feedback and a proactive approach to addressing logistical challenges (parking) and economic concerns (vendor costs). The reduction in booths, coupled with lower rental rates, is directly linked to the goal of attracting more visitors and encouraging affordable pricing for consumers. The emphasis on traditional food and cultural programming further aims to enhance the bazaar’s unique appeal and contribute to a broader understanding of Ramadan traditions. The overall strategy focuses on creating a more accessible, affordable, and culturally enriching experience for both vendors and visitors.