'Bound to happen': Isetan now exiting Nex after closure of Tampines Mall outlet
Japanese department store Isetan will cease operations in Nex by April 2026, the mall announced in a Facebook post on Dec 8.
Nex thanked the retailer for "15 wonderful years" at the mall, noting Isetan's "unwavering support and partnership" since the outlet's opening in 2011.
"New and exciting offerings are coming soon to elevate your Nex experience, stay tuned!" said the Serangoon Central mall in its post, which Stomper Nick alerted Stomp to.
A spokesperson for the mall told Stomp: "Nex is committed to maintaining a vibrant tenant mix and we will continue to bring fresh experiences to our shoppers and the community."
In response to Stomp's queries, Isetan said the closure comes as its lease with Nex is expiring and follows "a strategic review of our business operations".
The retailer added that it has recently upgraded parts of the Scotts outlet and brought in new tenants as part of its commitment to improving the shopping experience for customers.
The announcement comes just a month after Isetan shuttered its Tampines Mall outlet following 30 years in business. The closure will leave Isetan Scotts in Shaw House as the chain's last Singapore store.
But while the news of Isetan Tampines' closure was met with nostalgia, Nick told Stomp that he feels "indifferent" about the Nex outlet shutting.
He explained: "I mean, I feel like it was bound to happen eventually. Nowadays, we can get a lot of things online and it's also cheaper than at departmental stores. The crowds are dwindling at these places and most probably the others will downsize or even close down and just shift to online retail, just like what Robinsons did."
Editor's note: This article has been updated with a response from Isetan and Nex.
