2 reasons why it's not surprising brands are leaving Singapore
PUBLISHED ONApril 20, 2016 2:00 PMByDenise Bay
This article was originally on GET.com at: 2 Reasons Why It's Not Surprising Brands Are Leaving Singapore's Retail Scene
Shoppers in Singapore will soon bid farewell to British brand New Look and French menswear chain Celio as they exit Singapore's retail scene in the second half of 2016.
These aren't the only brands that haven't been turning in the profits amidst sluggish consumer sentiments. In fact, behemoth Al-Futtaim Group, owner of the Robinsons Group of Stores, is slated to shutter 10 outlets here under its retailing and distribution arm RSH in 2016, too.
As much as Singaporeans love shopping, the retail scene here has gotten more challenging than ever with the proliferation of e-commerce which gives busy, time-strapped Singaporeans the convenience we all crave so badly.
In light of the gloomy economic outlook that's gotten consumers tightening their belts and rising business costs, it is hardly surprising that more and more businesses are winding up, leaving malls more vacant than ever.
Here are two reasons why we all shouldn't be surprised when brands leave Singapore's challenging retail scene.
1. E-commerce is the in-thing
As Singaporeans become more technologically-savvy, it is only a matter of time that more and more people will try their hand at online shopping. It affords the convenience that traditional brick-and-mortar stores can't, without compromising on variety and/or quality depending on what you have in mind.
If you don't already know, even departmental stores have scrambled to go digital in order to woo consumers like you and I by stepping up their social media game and online presence by putting in place pleasant websites, frequent promotions, and even mobile-friendly sites, all in the name of adapting to the changing business environment.
Not only do you not have to meander through tons of shop floor spaces in store and slowly hunt for the items you're looking for, you can search for, buy and have your items delivered right to your doorstep in a matter of a few clicks. Cheers to no more achy legs and nasty blisters, too?
Here's our online shopping guide that will certainly come in handy for those who love to browse and shop online. If you want to save money on your purchases, don't forget to use a credit card that offers cashback or other rewards on your online shopping. Here you will find our pick of the 2 best cashback cards for online shopping.
2. We really don't have to miss some of these brands
Besides, you can still get hold of certain brands' items via the glorious internet if you know where to look. Take River Island for instance, this British high street brand left Singapore in 2013 but fans of River Island can now purchase the brand's wares from Zalora or even directly from their website.
The same is said for New Look. I've bought from their site directly before, so it's not really that big of a deal that you can't stroll around their mostly empty shops in Singapore. Zalora stocks items from New Look too.
More so than ever, consumers have so many options on the internet whether we're looking for something more indie and unique, brands that are only available overseas, or even brands that we can get hold of in Singapore but are cheaper overseas - thanks to the power of globalisation and technology.
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