One of Singapore’s oldest retailers that went bankrupt in October is back in business – virtually.
Robinsons Singapore is moving its shelves online on June 24, carrying more than 200 brands in lifestyle, fashion, and homeware, among others. The move comes months after the shutting of its physical stores in January sent shoppers in a frenzy and vendors in fits of anger over unpaid commissions. Since then, e-commerce firm Canningvale Australia has bought over the business from the Dubai-based Al-Futtaim group.
“The global pandemic has expedited the mainstream adoption of online shopping. We think now is the right time to pivot to a digital-first strategy,” managing director Jordan Prainito said in a statement, calling Singaporeans “avid online shoppers.”
Two former store employees have been rehired and more will fill various positions for the business, he added.
A mix of familiar and new brands will be featured on the website, which he said would be easy and safe to use, as well as “visually pleasing.”
Al-Futtaim closed Robinson’s last two physical stores at the Heeren on Orchard Road and the Raffles City Shopping Center a week after announcing that it was liquidating its assets. Robinsons first opened in Singapore as “Spicer & Robinson” in 1858 at Raffles Place.
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