Japanese department store Isetan closes 15-year-old outlet in Singapore

Japanese department store Isetan, which sells home, fashion and beauty products, has closed its outlet at Singapore’s NEX shopping mall after 15 years in operation.

The company announced in a Facebook post that the Serangoon Central outlet closed on April 26 after its lease expired.

“We are deeply grateful to all stakeholders & customers for your unwavering support over the past 15 wonderful years,” it said.

In a video shared online, staff at the store were seen saying their final goodbyes to customers on the last day of operations.

A crowd gathered at the entrance as the store manager delivered a farewell speech, thanking shoppers for their support and kindness over the years.

“Today is our last day of business,” the manager announced, as quoted by AsiaOne“We wish you good health and happiness always.”

Isetan store at a shopping mall in Singapore. Photo from Google Maps

Isetan has been present in Singapore since 1972, when its Havelock outlet became the first Japanese department store in the city-state, according to Mothership.

The firm operated six outlets at its peak in 2013 but has since closed several stores.

It shuttered its Tampines Mall location last November after 30 years, citing “careful consideration of local conditions and future profitability,” The Straits Times reported.

Earlier closures include Isetan Katong at Parkway Parade shopping center in March 2022 and Isetan Jurong at Westgate Mall in March 2020.


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