SINGAPORE. The Civil Aviation of Singapore (CAAS) has officially launched a campaign to absorb all Goods and Services Tax (GST)* incurred by shoppers at Singapore Changi Airport T3, in a bid to boost retail sales.
The “˜Free Yourself From GST Shopping Promotion – You Shop, We Absorb’ campaign will be carried out among participating retail outlets located at Changi Airport Terminal 3’s public area, landside. The retail outlets on Levels 2, 3 and Basement 2 of T3 will absorb the GST for the rest of 2009.
The campaign follows the boost in retail sales since the soft launch of the GST-absorbed promotion by CAAS in November 2008. The airport authority hopes to maintain this trend with the new campaign, which is being launched alongside an interactive “˜Stamp and Win’ game.
From 26 February to 30 April 2009, passengers and airport visitors can participate in this game to obtain five stamps from any of the participating outlets at the different levels to qualify. No purchases are required. Game participants can redeem free T3 premiums and stand chances to win S$500 (US$326) of Changi Shopping Vouchers weekly.
CAAS Director General and Chief Executive Officer Lim Kim Choon said: “Consumers’ purse-strings have tightened considerably in view of the current global economic downturn. To help our retail concessionaires attract more shoppers and at the same time offer greater savings for shoppers, CAAS introduced the concept of GST-absorbed purchase at participating outlets at T3 in November 2008.
“Since the soft launch, shopper response to this new shopping concept has been encouraging, and the participating retailers have seen an average sales increase of more than +40%. We would like to encourage passengers as well as visitors to Changi Airport to make use of the exclusive offers that have been rolled out to enjoy extra savings on their part.”
In addition to the interactive game, CAAS is also giving out free S$5.00 (US$3.30) discount coupons. Shoppers can make use of these coupons when they spend S$30.00 (US$19.60) and above at any of the participating retail outlets at T3’s public area.
Shoppers also stand to win attractive prizes instantly when they spend a minimum of S$30.00 (US$19.60) by VISA or S$60.00 (US$39.20). Shoppers who drive to the airport get to enjoy free first hour parking with a minimum spend of S$30 (US$19.60) at any outlets at T3’s public area.
T3 has the largest retail space in the public areas compared to Terminals 1 and 2. In terms of shops, there are 35 shops in T3, as compared to a total of 20 for both Terminals 1 and 2.
Since passenger traffic began to slip in year-on-year comparisons last September, Changi concessionaires have struggled with declining footfall and spends, notably in the new T3. As reported, earlier this month the CAAS launched a major tenant relief package to assist its concessionaires.
*NOTE: GST is a broad-based consumption tax levied on the import of goods, as well as nearly all supplies of goods and services in Singapore. In some countries, GST is known as the Value Added Tax (VAT).
[comments]
MORE STORIES ON SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT
Burger King franchisee scoops Singapore Changi Airport brand name fast food concession – 16/02/09
Boost for Changi concessionaires as airport launches major tenant relief package – 12/02/09
