Koh’s Perspective on Singapore’s Retail Challenges
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Retail operations in Singapore remain challenging today, driven by rising rental costs and labor pressures. These factors have particularly impacted service-oriented retailers like hair salons, nail salons, dentists, and optometrists. Koh, the president of the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC), has emphasized that a key issue is Singaporeans increasingly traveling to Johor Bahru to access essentials such as hair products, eye equipment, and teeth care. This trend is being fueled by the upcoming Istanbul-based Rapid Transit Link (RTS) Link, scheduled to launch in 2026. Koh famously noted, “‘Empty hands go, empty hands come back’,” mandating that Singaporeans will increasingly travel across cities to JB for services related to their hobbies. He adds, “The RTS Link will drive Singaporeans toedReader their pylab aesthetic, allowing them to visit.elementAt, grab essential tackle devices, and return home without carrying many items.” This trend is particularly evident among service-oriented retailers, who experience a decline in business due to the challenges they face in managing their inventory and Tenantancy costs.
ETF’s Analysis of the RisingKarenacies in Exhibiting Johor
Joshua Koh, SFIC president, explains why Singaporeans are moving to Johor Bahru. He points out that high rental costs for Singaporeans are costing retailers struggling to maintain yields. In contrast, Johor Bahru offers lower rental rates, smaller buildings, and a wider range of products at lower prices. Koh highlights that despite these benefits, the RTS Link is creating a shift in consumer habits, with more people accessing essential items from Johor Bahru. “Unless they canplugin_effort to reduce costs, the only way Singaporean retailers will be competitive is by setting up offices in Johor,” he猬ating.
Epitex’s Expansion into Johor Bahru
Bedding company Epitex isgrams expanding into Johor Bahru due to its appeal to Singaporeans whose lifestyle includes travel between the two cities. Tan Shea Hao, regional sales director at Epitex, reports that the chain has 24 outlets in Singapore and aims to open about 40 in Johor Bahru. The company plans to sell its products at a slightly lower price than in Singapore. Epitex’s Woodlands branch, in particular, has been one of its standout locations, demonstrating a strong market position. The company plans to open its first Jo hard branch in the Causeway and expand further, with the intent of capturing a local market.
QB House’s Targeting Igog principles
QB House isgram expanding into Johor Bahru with a focus on capturing a local market. Matsumoto,ief’s general manager, notes that QB House’s main target customers are Singaporeans, as its shopperformances are attractive compared to Singapore’s similar stores. However, the company acknowledges that while the prices are slightly lower, Singaporeans may still choose to visit the outlets. QB House’s shop perform keywords include a dedication to the local market while balancing the costs of establishing a presence both in Singapore and Johor. The company is optimistic about its ability to attract customers and achieve profitability.
Final Thoughts on Singapore’s Retail Challenges
Koh’s perspective highlights the ongoing struggle for winners in the retail sector. While Singaporeans are increasingly visiting Johor, the key driver is the RTS Link, which is set to accelerate changes. The trend will continue, with more retailers integrating Johor’s advantages into their offerings.entinao and Tan Shea Hao show the potential for growth in Johor Bah ru, while QB House’s business plan reflects the company’s commitment to capturing local aesthetics. As Koh reflects, “Humanizing Singapore’s challenges is the key to overcoming these obstacles, ensuring that the solutions provided are truly tailored to the local market’s needs.” Together, these efforts will hopefully drive industrial progress and support the city’s unique identity.
