For a few years now, the physical retail industry has been facing a slump thanks to the rise of online shopping platforms. The Covid-19 pandemic has only gone on to exacerbate matters, dealing the final blow to many businesses. While some might move their business online, others have decided to call it quits for now – either way, we bid these outlets goodbye and will miss having them around!
Robinsons
After 162 years in Singapore, our oldest home-grown department store Robinsons is closing its last two stores at The Heeren and Raffles City. We don’t know when their last day of operations will be, but here's to hoping we'll get one last Black Friday!
Topshop
UK high street fashion brand Topshop and Topman has maintained a presence in our local fashion scene for. Unfortunately, with the retail industry pivoting from Covid-19, many physical stores have closed and shifted online. Topshop and Topman closed its last outlet in VivoCity on September 17 – but you can still shop their collection on their website.
BooksActually
After 15 years in Singapore, indie bookstore BooksActually announced that it will close its Tiong Bahru store and move all its operations online instead. Thankfully, they still plan on being a big part of the Singapore literary scene and will continue to organise readings and other literary happenings. But who else has been missing their bookstore smell, eclectic vibe and cute kitties?
Esprit
Esprit was one of the earliest retail victims of Covid-19, and they have closed all its 56 stores located in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. However, the company still operates wholesale and licensing businesses in these markets, suggesting that the brand might endure in multi-brand department stores and boutiques.
Antoinette
Au revoir, Antionette. The Parisian-themed patisserie ceased operations on June 30, closing both its physical outlets at Penhas Road and Millenia Walk, as well as its online store after a nine-year run.
Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant
Well-known amongst boomers, Prima Tower was once one of the fanciest places to dine at, complete with a revolving view of Mount Faber and Sentosa. After 43 years of operations, Prima Tower was forced to shutter in August.
Bakerzin
After over two decades, Bakerzin officially closed down in Singapore in October 2020. The restaurant and bakery had already been struggling even before Covid-19, but lacklustre mooncake sales this year was the final nail in the coffin.
STA Travel
Travel agency STA Travel closed its doors in September, which wasn't entirely surprising given the big hit the travel industry has taken from Covid-19. But what’s disturbing is that STA Travel reportedly owes customers and ex-employees $1.43 million. We hope you didn't buy a package from them before Covid-19 – it’s gonna be hard getting a refund.
DFS
Ah, travelling feels like something we did a lifetime ago. We all know DFS as the duty-free store we went to to purchase alcohol just before going through the gates at Changi Airport. DFS closed its physical stores to focus on selling booze online, and they have been replaced by Lotte Duty Free at the airport.
Sportslink
Another store that saw a permanent demise is local sports chain Sportslink. Once popular with heartlanders for its affordable sports goods, they had fallen out of favour in recent years due to new players on the sports retail scene both offline and online, among other factors.