{
  "id": 19078158,
  "title": "Singapore's 44-year-old snacks shop to shutter amid rising costs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/singapores-44-year-old-snacks-shop-to-shutter-amid-rising-costs",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-11-09T03:16:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "VnExpress Business",
    "slug": "vnexpress-business",
    "url": "https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/companies/singapore-s-44-year-old-snacks-shop-to-shutter-amid-rising-costs-5142327.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore's nostalgic snacks shop, Biscuit King, will be shutting down its 44-year-old business amid escalating costs, the store announced on Facebook. Located on Casuarina Road, the establishment will close its doors by January 31, 2027. Owner Benny Ong attributed the closure to the rising operational expenses, particularly the steep increase in biscuit prices and anticipated surges in plastic bag and container costs by over 30%. The new landlord is selling the property, leading to a projected rental hike upon the arrival of the next occupant. Despite considering relocation or expansion into online sales, Biscuit King has ruled out both options. Established in 1982 as Chua Seng Minimart and rebranded as Biscuit King in 2008, the shop was renowned for its traditional treats, including iced gem biscuits, butterfly crackers, and lemon puffs, alongside novelty items like Old Maid playing cards and pick-up sticks. The closure has left a void in the hearts of those who remember Biscuit King, with users lamenting the loss of a cherished piece of Singapore's culinary history.",
  "summary": "Biscuit King, a shop selling traditional snacks and sweets in Singapore, will close its doors at the end of January 2027, with higher costs cited as the main reason.",
  "key_points": [
    "Biscuit King, 44-year-old Singapore snacks shop, to close",
    "Rising costs, including biscuit and plastic bag prices, blamed",
    "Closure effective January 31, 2027"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The closure of this long-standing establishment signals how escalating operational expenses and rising property costs are eroding the viability of traditional retail businesses within Singapore's local snack industry.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}