SINGAPORE – Fans of dialect operas will have one less avenue to buy such CDs soon.

Tang Nan Ah Company, a music store with more than 70 years of history located at People’s Park Centre in Chinatown, is calling it a day on May 11.

This was disclosed to Shin Min Daily News by the shop’s second-generation owner, identified only as Mr Guo, 72.

“People listen to music on their mobile phones nowadays and the youngsters rarely visit record stores,” he told the Chinese-language evening daily. “There are also very few CD players being sold and they are no longer installed in cars.”

Tang Nan Ah Company began operating in 1954 at a shophouse. This was in the vicinity used to be known in dialect as “Chui Sien Mng”, which translates to “Water Fairy Gate”, and refers to the area roughly bounded by High Street, Hill Street, North Bridge Road, Hock Lam Street and Chin Nam Street.

Mr Guo began helping out at his father’s record store when he was 21 and took over the business in 1974.

He said that the shop has moved twice: first from Chui Sien Mng to Paya Lebar, and then to its present location at People’s Park Centre, where it has been for more than 30 years.

“There used to be more than 10 record stores in Chinatown, but there are very few left now,” he told Shin Min. He added that it has also become more difficult to replenish his stocks with the decline of major record labels.

“The industry is on the wane, and I plan to end the business and retire on May 11,” he said.

Mr Guo said he has less than 20 per cent of his inventory left. The Teochew opera CDs are almost sold out.

“My shop is patronised by regulars who are in their 40s and 50s, and who like to listen to albums,” he said. “There are very few CD shops selling Teochew opera albums in the market now, and I don’t know where customers can get them in the future.”

Mr Guo added that his children have no plans to take over the business as they have their own careers.

He is considering travelling to neighbouring countries to enjoy life in his retirement.