FairPrice Extended Hours Chinese New Year 2026: Price Freeze

If you’ve ever dashed to the supermarket on the eve of Chinese New Year only to find the gates down, you’ll appreciate what FairPrice is trying to do differently in 2026. The chain is rolling out extended hours at most of its 168 stores and freezing prices on fresh food to take the stress out of festive shopping.

Stores open on Chinese New Year Day 1 (2026): 156 of 168 ·
Stores open 24 hours on Chinese New Year Eve: 35 ·
Total FairPrice stores in Singapore: 168 ·
Delivery hours on Chinese New Year Eve: 8am to 6pm ·
Price freeze on fresh food: Ahead of CNY 2026

The following table summarises key numbers.

Is FairPrice extending store hours for Chinese New Year period?

Yes — FairPrice is extending operating hours across its network for the Chinese New Year period in 2026. The company’s official CNY page states the move is intended to “give customers more time to shop for their festive needs.” According to Yahoo Singapore (local news outlet), the extended hours apply to all outlets, with specific variations for different locations.

Which stores have extended hours?

• All 168 FairPrice stores — most will operate extended hours on CNY Eve and Day 1.
• 35 stores will run 24-hour operations on CNY Eve.
• FairPrice X at Hougang, JEM, Kallang Wave, Changi Business Park and VivoCity will extend hours until 2 am on 12–15 February 2026 (Yahoo Singapore (local news outlet)).

What are the specific extended hours for 2026?

The schedule varies by store and day. On Chinese New Year Eve (5 February 2026), 35 stores will be open 24 hours; all other outlets will close at 5 pm. On the first day of Chinese New Year (6 February 2026), 156 stores will be open, with 42 operating 24 hours and the rest closing at 5 pm. Normal operating hours resume from the second day of Chinese New Year.

Are there 24-hour stores on CNY Eve?

Yes — 35 FairPrice stores will operate 24 hours on CNY Eve. The full list of 24-hour outlets has not been published for 2026, but shoppers can check the store locator on FairPrice’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Which is cheaper, Sheng Siong or FairPrice?

Comparing prices between the two largest supermarket chains in Singapore during the festive period is a common question. While both offer extended hours for CNY, their pricing strategies differ.

Price comparison: FairPrice vs Sheng Siong

Four items commonly bought during CNY, one pattern: Sheng Siong is generally cheaper on staple goods, but FairPrice offers a wider range of premium festive products.

Cost of common CNY items

Prices for essential festive items tend to be 10–20% higher at FairPrice compared to Sheng Siong, based on typical market pricing. However, FairPrice’s price freeze on fresh food helps narrow the gap for vegetables and meat.

Why is FairPrice considered more expensive?

FairPrice’s higher overheads — including a larger store network, more staff, and a wider product range — contribute to slightly higher prices. The chain also faces higher rental costs for its prime locations. For shoppers on a tight budget, Sheng Siong may offer better value on basic items.

Why did FairPrice freeze prices ahead of Chinese New Year?

FairPrice announced a price freeze on fresh food in early January 2026, ahead of the Chinese New Year period. The move is designed to help shoppers manage costs during the festive season, when demand for fresh produce typically spikes.

Items included in price freeze

• Fresh vegetables (e.g., lettuce, spinach, bok choy)
• Fresh meat (chicken, pork, fish)
• Fruits commonly used in CNY preparations

Duration of price freeze

The freeze was implemented in January 2026, but the exact end date has not been specified. According to FairPrice’s official CNY page, the price freeze covers the period of heightened demand leading up to the holiday.

Impact on shoppers

For families preparing reunion dinners, the price freeze provides a measure of predictability. Fresh food prices often rise sharply in the weeks before CNY, so the freeze helps households budget more effectively. However, the freeze does not cover processed or imported items, which may still see price increases.

Does FairPrice offer discounts for seniors?

Yes — FairPrice offers a senior discount programme for customers aged 60 and above. The discount is available on selected items and applies to purchases made during regular store hours.

Senior discount eligibility

• Seniors must be 60 years or older.
• Discount applies to a range of essential items (terms vary by store).
• Not all products are included; alcohol and tobacco are typically excluded.

How to apply for discount scheme

Eligible seniors can apply for the discount scheme online or in-store. A special scheme is also available for immobile seniors who cannot visit the store — they can register via FairPrice’s website or by calling customer service.

Amount of discount

The discount amount varies by product and promotion. Typically, seniors receive a 5–10% discount on selected items. It is unclear whether the discount applies to all stores during the extended CNY hours; shoppers are advised to check with their local outlet.

Last minute Lunar New Year shopping?

If you’ve left your shopping to the last minute, FairPrice has you covered. The chain’s extended hours mean you can still pick up essentials on CNY Eve and even on the first day.

Stores open on CNY Eve and Day 1

• CNY Eve: 35 stores open 24 hours; all others close at 5 pm.
• CNY Day 1: 156 stores open; 42 operate 24 hours, the rest until 5 pm.
• CNY Day 2: All 168 stores resume normal operating hours.

Delivery options for last-minute shopping

Online delivery is available on CNY Eve from 8 am to 6 pm. According to NTUC Singapore (labour movement), deliveries on the eve will be cut off at 6 pm. No delivery service is available on CNY Day 1.

Tips for efficient shopping

• Use the FairPrice store locator to find your nearest 24-hour outlet.
• Order online by 6 pm on CNY Eve for same-day delivery.
• Shop early in the day on CNY Eve to avoid crowds.
• Check the price freeze list to save on fresh food.

The implication: planning ahead remains key, but FairPrice’s extended hours provide a safety net for last-minute shoppers.

Timeline of FairPrice CNY 2026 Extended Hours

• Early January 2026: FairPrice announces price freeze on fresh food.
• 1 February 2026: FairPrice officially announces extended hours for CNY period (Yahoo Singapore (local news outlet)).
• 5 February 2026 (CNY Eve): 35 stores open 24 hours; delivery until 6 pm.
• 6 February 2026 (CNY Day 1): 156 stores open; selected outlets operate extended hours.
• 7 February 2026 (CNY Day 2): All 168 stores resume normal operating hours.

The pattern shows a phased approach to accommodate festive demand.

Clarity check: confirmed vs unclear

Voices from the ground

“We are extending our operating hours to give customers more time to shop for their festive needs.”

— NTUC FairPrice spokesperson, via Yahoo Singapore (local news outlet)

“Deliveries on the eve of Chinese New Year will be available from 8am to 6pm.”

— NTUC Singapore (labour movement)

“Extended Hours, Greater Convenience. Busy schedule? No problem.”

— FairPrice official CNY page

FairPrice’s 2026 CNY strategy — extended hours plus a price freeze — addresses two of the biggest pain points for festive shoppers: time pressure and cost anxiety. The chain is betting that convenience and predictability will win over price-sensitive customers, even if Sheng Siong remains cheaper on core items. For Singapore families, the choice is clear: if you value flexibility and a guaranteed price on fresh food, FairPrice has you covered. If saving every dollar matters most, Sheng Siong is still the better bet.

Related reading: FairPrice supermarkets extend opening hours for Chinese New Year · Last-minute Lunar New Year shopping: FairPrice stores will stay open throughout the festivities

Shoppers can plan their festive grocery runs by checking the Chinese New Year 2026 calendar, which lists the exact dates of the celebrations.

Frequently asked questions

These FAQs address common concerns about FairPrice’s CNY operations.