Retailers at Lucky Plaza mall are up in arms over what appears to be an illegal flea market that has sprung up near the building and is affecting their businesses. While the authorities have punished some illegal hawkers, retailers say the problem persists and they hope more can be done. Lucky Plaza in Orchard Road is a popular hangout for Filipino domestic workers on Sun, with many having picnics nearby. But since July last year, retailers have noticed the itinerant sellers, mainly women with several large bags of clothes and shoes, selling items out of the bags. The number of such “stalls” has grown to as many as 10. Retailers, particularly those selling dried foods, cosmetics, fashion items and phones, said their sales revenue has dropped by 20 per cent to 50 per cent in the past four to six months, and they believe this is because of the illegal hawkers. Mr K.D. Chan, 45, whose family runs a shop selling Filipino products including toiletries and canned food in Lucky Plaza, told ST: “The illegal hawkers are getting bolder – they bring bags of brand new shoes and T-shirts to sell. He and about 15 other retailers who run 20 to 30 shops in the mall are planning a petition for more enforcement action to be taken.... Continue Reading