Singapore department store icon Robinsons ends 162-year run

Born in British colonial era, chain succumbs to online competition and coronavirus

20201102N robinsons

Robinsons department stores have been a fixture in Singapore since 1858. (Photo courtesy of Robinsons & Co.)

MAYUKO TANI, Nikkei staff writer

SINGAPORE -- After 162 years in operation, Singapore's storied department store chain Robinsons will shut down for good after losing the battle against online retailers and the pandemic.

Robinsons has initiated the liquidation process, the operator said Friday. The two remaining stores in Singapore will hold closeout sales for a few weeks before shuttering. The affiliate that runs two Robinsons in Malaysia will be liquidated as well.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.