Notable shops and stores in Singapore that have permanently closed

Closing in April 2021

As recently as last year, Naiise operated five outlets in Singapore. However, Covid-19, weak retail sales and the growing debt owed to the local labels is forcing the chain to close down its last outlet at Jewel Changi Airport. For years, Naiise has been the place for tourists and locals alike to pick up uniquely Singaporeans souvenirs, across stationery, household items, locals books and more. It's still up in the air whether Naiise will completely wind up operations – but for now, the online store is still open. 

Closed in January 2021

Back in January, Robinsons exited the scene after a whopping 162 years of operations. The homegrown department store was where we bought anything and everything under the sun – from kitchenware, to bedsheets, to last-minute birthday gifts. Alas, cost pressures and changing consumer tastes proved too much even for this giant to withstand. 

Closed in September 2020

The UK high-street super brand (together with Topman) has been a fashion presence in Singapore for two decades. But with the retail industry pivoting from Covid-19, many physical stores are closing to fully shift the business online. Topshop and Topman will close its last outlet here at VivoCity on September 17 – but you can continue to shop the collection on the webstore.

Closed in September 2020

After 15 years of business, the friendly neighbourhood local bookstore, BooksActually is closing its physical store in Tiong Bahru. But it's not a goodbye forever – owner Kenny Leck announced on Facebook that the store is moving its business online. 

Though the business has gone fully online, BooksActually still plans on being a big part of the Singapore literary scene and will continue to organise readings and other literary happenings like the annual #BuySingLit street party, 24-Hour Bookstore and The World's Loneliest Bookstore pop-up. 

Closed in August 2020

The Adventures of Tintin is one of the most popular European comics of the 20th century. The adventurer-journalist Tintin is seen in various forms throughout this shop on hardcover books, resin figurines, posters and more. For years the shop has attracted fans from around the world and curious passersby in Chinatown but the business has suffered during the pandemic. After failed rent negotiations with the landlord, the owners have decided to close the store permanently. It will be clearing all its inventory, with discounts of 30 percent and more. It will be operating for another two to three weeks at the current location.

Closed in September 2020

Since it started in 2014, Matter Prints sees itself as a ‘socially motivated brand’ that also takes pride in being a sustainable and conscious fashion label. It has worked with skilled artisans living in rural parts of Asia to make products from heritage-based fabrics in an ethical and thoughtful manner. Sadly, the brand had recently announced that it would be closing permanently. Good news for the fans though – since the conscious label is big on the zero waste and sustainable movement, you can still buy items and apparel on the online store until it runs out of inventory.

Closed July 3, 2020

Sportslink started 37 years ago as a humble shop offering basic sports shoes and equipment. Venturing into the heartlands, it provided sports enthusiasts with a larger and affordable selection of sporting goods from various international brands such as Nike, Adidas, Yonex, New Balance, Converse, Kappa, Kronos and Brooks. Sadly, the homegrown sports retail chain is closing due to accumulated debts to its creditors.

Closed June 17, 2020

MUJI has always been a draw when visiting Marina Square. Who could resist its minimalist resist toiletries, apparel and furniture? Not to mention its reliable range of stationery and array of Japanese snacks to keep us going throughout the day. The outlet announced its closure in late June but there's still hope – the other MUJI outlets at Plaza Singapura, 313@Somerset, Plaza Singapura, Raffles City, Tampines 1, Ion Orchard, Paragon, Tampines, Bugis Junction, Jem, VivoCity are still open. 

Closed on August 3, 2020

Japanese lifestyle retailer Tokyu hands will be moving out of Westgate on August 2 and ceasing operations the next day. Till then, you can still shop for beauty products, stationery and kitchenware at the Jurong branch – as well as the other Tokyu Hands outlets in Singapore that will remain open.

Closed June 30, 2020

Esprit has faced a slump in sales and has closed all its 56 stores located in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. However, the company will continue to operate wholesale and licensing businesses in these markets, suggesting that the brand might endure – possibly in department stores and multi-brand boutiques.