When Ion Orchard opens on July 21, the new underpass connecting it to Wheelock Place will have a 'first' in the Orchard-Scotts belt.

While the four existing underpasses in the area connect only point A to point B, this fifth, and latest, one will feature retail shops as well.

Set to open on the same day Ion has its soft launch, the 75m-long underground stretch will link Orchard MRT, through Basement Two of Ion, to Wheelock Place.

The 20 shops along the stretch are food and beverage and mass appeal fashion outlets.

Making its reappearance there is Dunkin' Donuts after a decade-long absence.

Brand names such as Itacho Sushi from Hong Kong and footwear label Rubi Shoes will make their debut along the stretch.

So will flip-flop brand Havaianas with its first store. Among the familiar brand names there are Levi's, Mango and Guess.

Currently, there is one major underpass linking Orchard MRT to Tangs Plaza, Scotts Road and Wisma Atria.

There are three underpasses linking Lucky Plaza to Ngee Ann City, Wheelock to Shaw House, and Shaw House to Tangs.

Unlike the CityLink Mall in the City Hall area that has more than 50 retail outlets, the existing Orchard underpasses do not have such facilities.

CityLink connects Suntec City, Marina Square, the Esplanade and One Raffles Link to City Hall MRT.

The Orchard MRT-linked underpasses are packed during peak hours and on weekends. Shoppers jostle their way through the crowd and buskers, while fending off flier distributors.

The new underpass will be Ion's third linkway. The current two, which connect Ion to Orchard Road and Orchard Boulevard, opened in January and June last year respectively.

There are no shops at these linkways, which are revamped MRT exits/entrances.

Meanwhile, Dunkin' Donuts is gearing up for business.

'We expect at least 500 customers a day, and will have a breakfast menu for customers on the move,' said Mr Woon Dao Fung, marketing manager for Golden Donuts, a franchisee of Dunkin'.

Shoppers welcomed the new underpass as an alternative to crossing the road from Wheelock to Ion.

'It's definitely safer for pedestrians. Now, many still cross the road even when the pedestrian light has turned red. Motorists also do not care about them and drive on,' said student Shanice Tan, 15.

As for concerns that there might be a human crush during peak periods, making shopping difficult, an Ion spokesman said the 7m-wide walkway is sufficient for human traffic. He declined to reveal the construction cost.

Retailers at Wheelock are also cheering.

'Wheelock will be even more accessible from the train station and other major shopping malls. It will definitely channel more traffic, which means increased business for us,' said Ms Wendy Choh, director of Big O Cafe & Restaurant.

Ion's retail-oriented underpass may set off a trend in Orchard.

Last month, the Land Transport Authority called for a tender for the widening of the underpass linking Orchard MRT Station and Tangs Plaza. A retail mall could be added as part of the expansion, though no plans have been confirmed.

Also, an underpass linking Orchard Central and Centrepoint will be ready by September. It will have retail outlets on one side.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.