Magazines Archives - 2009 February

Tampines 1 launch will coincide with Uniqlo’s debut in Singapore
Story 8 - Property Update

TAMPINES 1, a newly-developed mall in the eastern suburb of Singapore, is set for launch this April. The 260,000sqf development, situated in the Tampines Regional Centre, has already leased out 90% of its shop space since last November.

The launch will coincide with the debut of Japanese apparel chain Fast Retailing Co Ltd’s casual-wear subsidiary, Uniqlo. UK fashion brands Topshop and Topman, and Hong Kong’s Esprit will be opening their first suburban large-format stores at the mall as well, according to a statement released by the managing company AsiaMalls Management (SEA) Pte Ltd.

Fast Retailing’s 8,700sqf store is seen as a strategic move by the Japanese group to break into the Singapore market, bringing along with it a host of international brands. The group formed a joint venture with Singapore conglomerate Wing Tai Holdings Ltd last year for the purpose.

Satoshi Onoguchi, managing director of Uniqlo Singapore, believes the mall’s strategic location
in “a high-density transport and regional satellite hub” will “attract our target consumers”.

The retailer will be setting up its second store in the city-state at the ION Orchard this June when the mall opens its doors to the public.

Fast Retailing’s chairman and CEO, Tadashi Yanai, added: “As the business hub of South-east Asia,
Singapore is an ideal launch pad for us to build our brand and expand in the region, cementing our position as a global retail brand. Our vision is to become more than just a company with stores
around the world, transcending cultural boundaries, appealing to customers worldwide.”

Meanwhile, Topshop and Topman, together, are expected to span over 6,000sqf occupying two floors, while Esprit will set up shop as a 10,000sqf duplex boutique. International brands such as Promod and Springfield are also set to join the others in opening their first suburban outlets.

A 13,000sqf Japanese food hall and restaurants such as Sushi Tei and Thai Express Bistro will also take on a double- storey format. Other eateries expected to operate at the mall include a Kopitiam food court as well as Bakerzin, Carl’s Junior and Coffee Club.

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