Japanese department store Isetan has announced it will close its NEX outlet in Singapore’s northeastern heartland in April 2026, leaving its Orchard Road flagship store as the retailer’s only remaining outlet in the city-state. The decision comes after more than three years of operations at NEX mall in Serangoon, where Isetan sought to expand its presence beyond the central shopping district. The closure reflects shifting consumer habits and the company’s efforts to streamline operations amid a challenging retail landscape.
Isetan Singapore’s management said the exit from NEX is part of a strategic review to focus on its longer-standing flagship in Orchard Road, which continues to be a major draw for both local shoppers and visitors. The Orchard Road store, a key landmark in Singapore’s premier retail corridor, will remain open and fully operational, offering Isetan’s full range of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. The NEX store will wind down in stages, with announcements expected in the coming months regarding promotions and clearance sales as it prepares to shut its doors.
Industry analysts noted that the shift mirrors broader trends in Singapore’s retail sector, where consumer preferences have increasingly gravitated toward experiential and digital shopping, while costs for physical retail space, especially in suburban malls, have exerted pressure on traditional department store models. Some retailers have chosen to consolidate or right-size their footprints to focus on high-traffic locations and optimise cost efficiencies.
Shoppers familiar with the NEX outlet have expressed mixed reactions, acknowledging the convenience the suburban store offered while also recognising the growing dominance of online retail and evolving lifestyle patterns that favour central or flagship experiences. Isetan’s move highlights the ongoing transformation within Singapore’s retail landscape as brands recalibrate their physical presence to meet changing market dynamics.
(Source: The Straits Times)
