Yes, Metro is closing its two remaining large department stores in Singapore.
Its existing outlets at Paragon and Causeway Point will cease operating when their respective leases expire.
However, Metro itself is not leaving Singapore’s retail scene. Instead, the company plans to replace its traditional department store model with smaller and more flexible retail concepts.
Here’s what you need to know.
No Closure Dates Have Been Announced
Metro Holdings announced the decision on 20 July 2026, following a strategic review of its retail operations.
The company said it would progressively move away from traditional large-format department stores, which typically occupy several floors and sell products across numerous categories.
Metro did not reveal when the Paragon and Causeway Point leases would expire. As of 21 July 2026, there are therefore no confirmed closing dates for either outlet.
The two stores are Metro’s last remaining large-format department stores in Singapore.
Metro Is Planning Smaller Concept Stores
Instead of operating another massive department store, Metro is considering smaller-format stores, multi-speciality concept stores, curated shopping experiences and temporary pop-up stores.
It has begun evaluating possible locations and is speaking with its existing landlords as well as other landlords.
Factors such as rental costs, location, financial viability and the time needed to launch each store will determine where these new concepts eventually appear.
Metro will also continue expanding its retail presence through Grand Brands Asia, its joint venture that brings international lifestyle brands and immersive retail concepts to Singapore.
In other words, this is not the end of Metro. It is the end of Metro as the sprawling department store where you can somehow walk from bedsheets to frying pans and end up surrounded by luggage.
Metro May Remain at Paragon
Metro might not even disappear completely from Paragon.
CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, which acquired Paragon on 1 July 2026, said Metro had expressed interest in remaining at the Orchard Road mall through new retail concept stores.
Discussions and feasibility studies are ongoing, with further details to be announced after the plans are finalised.
Paragon’s management is also reviewing how parts of the mall, including the space occupied by Metro, can be reconfigured to introduce new shops and experiences.
Metro’s Retail Business Has Been Struggling
The change comes as Metro faces a difficult retail environment.
For the financial year ended 31 March 2026, sales from Metro Paragon and Metro Causeway Point fell from S$96.5 million to S$92.3 million.
Metro’s retail division recorded a loss after tax of S$11.4 million, compared with a S$6.9 million loss in the previous financial year. The company attributed this to lower revenue, weaker profit margins and higher impairment losses.
Metro group chief executive said consumer expectations had changed fundamentally, and the new strategy would give the company more flexibility to introduce new concepts, brands and partnerships.
Metro Has Operated in Singapore Since 1957
Metro’s history in Singapore dates back to 1957, when founder Ong Tjoe Kim opened a textile store at 72 High Street.
The company later expanded into a familiar department store chain, with Metro Paragon opening on 4 December 1987 as its largest outlet at the time.
The upcoming closures will therefore end Metro’s traditional large department store era in Singapore.
But unless its new plans change, shoppers may still see the Metro name around Singapore, just in much smaller shops.
