DINERS fazed by the bad economy and road charges have reason to cheer when they eat at The Heeren Shops.

Customers who spend any amount at the mall's new dining outlets can redeem free parking coupons. The promotion ends on Jan 4 next year.

Level 5 opened in August and most outlets in Basement 1 will open next month after a seven- month renovation.

Level 5 has Western and Asian restaurants like Waraku and Fish & Co, while Basement 1 has Shokudo and Subway.

"With the economic downturn and Electronic Road Pricing charges, we hope to alleviate the expense of travelling to Orchard Road by offering free parking," said marketing communications manager Roland Lim of Swee Cheng Management, the mall's landlord.

Mr Erik Tan, outlet manager of Thai Express, said they have enjoyed a slight increase in business at Level 5 with the promotion.

"It's more effective during dinner and on weekends," he said.

Senior operations executive Lim Kian Hwee, 32, who hitched a ride with friends to Orchard Road, found the promotion attractive. "As parking can be expensive in Orchard Road, we will consider parking in the mall and eating there," he said.

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