Pritam Singh shares closure of beloved Eunos stationery store after two decades as owner retires

After over 20 years of serving the community, a beloved stationery store in Eunos, Jia Jie Trading, is preparing to close its doors for the final time this month, marking the retirement of the owner and his wife.

The news of this closure was shared in a recent Facebook post by Mr Pritam Singh, Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament for Aljunied GRC.

Expressing his sadness at the store’s closure, Mr Singh also emphasized the well-deserved retirement of the 75-year-old shop owner, Mr How who has been an integral part of the Eunos neighbourhood for the past two decades.

Reflecting on the unique charm of neighbourhood HDB stationery shops, such as the one located at Blk 632 Bedok Reservoir Road, Mr Singh recalled the nostalgic feeling many experience, particularly children eagerly anticipating purchasing stationaries from such stores.

“There is something magical about these neighbourhood HDB stationery shops, especially for young children – that feeling of looking forward to buy a new pencil or pen at such shops is something that still evokes many memories for me,” he said.

The store represents a reminiscent era, predating the dominance of Popular, Times, and MPH, distant entities in the town centre.

Additionally, Mr Singh noted that many items are currently available at discounted rates of 10-20% off, encouraging residents to visit the store and extend their best wishes to the Hows for their future endeavours.

Netizens recalling heartwarming memories of beloved store and its caring owner

Several netizens took to the comments section of Mr Singh’s Facebook post to share their cherished memories, affirming that the store holds a special place in their childhood reminiscences.

Many fondly recalled the kindness of the shop owner and his spouse.

A netizen fondly reminisced that the stationery store was her favourite spot, where Mr How and his wife always went out of their way to assist with gift-wrapping, a gesture dating back 25 years or more.

Expressing disappointment at the closure, another comment lamented the loss of a cherished place for their kids to find their beloved stationery items.

Reflecting on the nostalgic experiences, another individual recalled the joy of browsing through an array of stationery during his primary school days in the early 80s.

From shaker mechanical pencils to erasers adorned with various country flags, notebooks, and even ‘chaptay,’ it was a time filled with carefree fun. He also mentioned the humorous vigilance of the bookshop uncle when a group of boys visited during recess.

A comment echoed sentiments of gratitude and well-wishes for Mr How and his wife as they embark on their well-deserved retirement, thanking them for their years of dedicated service to the community.

Acknowledging Mr Singh’s role in sharing such community news, he expressed gratitude for his grounded approach, urging him to continue staying connected to the grassroots.