Isetan to Close Tampines Mall Store After Nearly 30 Years as Anchor Tenant

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Loh Huey Xin
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Japanese department store Isetan will shut down its Tampines Mall outlet in November 2025, marking the end of a nearly 30-year presence at the popular shopping centre in eastern Singapore.

Long-Standing Anchor Tenant Bids Farewell to Tampines Mall

The department store has been an anchor tenant at Tampines Mall since the mall’s opening in 1996, occupying two storeys and offering a diverse range of products including beauty items, apparel, travel gear and toys.

A spokesperson for Isetan Singapore told The Straits Times that the decision to close was made as the lease was coming to an end.

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“We have decided to close the store after careful consideration of local conditions and future profitability, allowing us to better align with the business objectives,” the spokesperson said.

Following the closure, Isetan plans to hold a clearance sale, with more details to be announced.

Tampines Mall has already begun making plans for the space.

In a statement to CNA, a mall spokesperson thanked Isetan for “their close partnership and for their part in the mall’s journey.”

“For some time, we have been making forward plans for Tampines Mall’s rejuvenation. With Isetan’s departure, we will introduce new brands to take over the space, including fashion and beauty brands. This will enhance the mall’s tenant mix and bring more exciting offerings to our shoppers,” the spokesperson added.

Shoppers Express Nostalgia as Isetan’s Retail Footprint Shrinks in Singapore

The news has sparked nostalgia among local shoppers who have frequented the store over the decades.

Mr Chua, a 31-year-old financial consultant, told The Straits Times: “I do feel nostalgic knowing now that Isetan is closing down – it was and maybe still is an iconic part of Tampines Mall.”

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He added that while he hasn’t shopped there frequently in recent years, preferring to shop online, the department store was so familiar that he would use it as a landmark when meeting friends.

For 57-year-old housewife Madam Eng, the store holds many personal memories. “That’s where I bought my children’s toys, clothes and even bedsheets. It’s already been around for so long… I’m sad that it’s closing,” she said.

Ms Yon, a housewife in her 60s who regularly purchased kitchen items from the store, expressed concern about where she would buy these products in the future.

The closure of Isetan Tampines continues the department store’s shrinking footprint in Singapore.

At its peak in 2013, Isetan operated six retail stores across the island – Isetan Scotts, Isetan Wisma Atria, Isetan Katong, Isetan Serangoon Central, Isetan Tampines and Isetan Westgate.

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Following the Tampines closure, only two outlets – Isetan Scotts at Shaw House in Orchard and Isetan Serangoon Central at Nex – will remain operational in Singapore.

Isetan’s presence in Singapore dates back to 1972 when it first opened at the Apollo Hotel on Havelock Road.

Isetan Singapore was established in 1970 to operate Japan’s Isetan Mitsukoshi’s department store business in the country.

In August 2024, Isetan Mitsukoshi completed its acquisition of the remaining 47.27 per cent stake in Isetan Singapore that it did not already own for about SGD$140 million.

Isetan Singapore subsequently suspended trading of its shares on the Singapore Exchange in August 2024 and delisted in September, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Isetan Mitsukoshi.

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Despite the closure, the company maintains that it isn’t exiting the local market.

“Isetan remains committed to Singapore’s retail landscape and will continue adapting our business to better serve our customers in the years ahead,” the spokesperson said.

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Loh Huey Xin