Earlier this week, Wing Tai Retail, which manages Topshop and Topman in Singapore, announced the closure of the last outlet at VivoCity, and that its focus for the two brands will be online. They are available via the Topshop website and local e-tailer Zalora.
The Straits Times looks back at five international brands that tried and failed to beat the tumultuous retail climate.
ESPRIT[hhmc]PHOTO: ST FILE
Closed: June 2020
Fashion chain Esprit exited the Asian market, except for China, earlier this year. It closed 56 stores in Asia by June 30, including 12 in Singapore.
The Hong Kong-listed brand had a presence here since the 1980s and found fans for its well-made quality basics.
Esprit Holdings attributed the closures to challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, though observers had noted a slump in sales since even before the global crisis.
FACTORIE[hhmc] PHOTO: ST FILE
Closed: 2018
Australian clothing brand Factorie seemingly had the same formula as its sibling brand Cotton On, offering affordably priced fast fashion, but was unable to see similar success.
Targeted at youths, the brand owned by the Cotton On Group first entered the market here in 2013 and closed its four outlets in 2018.
You can still purchase Factorie products via Zalora.
LOWRYS FARM[hhmc] PHOTO: ST FILE
Closed: 2015
Japanese fashion label Lowrys Farm had a short-lived presence in Singapore, after opening here in 2012.
Its eight outlets, some in prime malls like Suntec City and Bugis+, were shut by Feb 18, 2015 – a day before Chinese New Year.
The label carried casual wear mostly in pastel or floral tones. A spokesman from its parent company, Adastria Holdings, told ST then that sales were not up to par "because of climate difference and fashion taste".
