1880 ceases HK operation after 7 months amid cash flow issues

Singapore-based social club brand 1880 has ceased operations in Hong Kong after just seven months since its launch due to cash flow issues, while its Singapore branch will continue under a new group.

This came after 1880 issued an internal memo to its Hong Kong members last Friday, stating that their membership in 1880 Hong Kong and the associated privileges will be discontinued, according to HK01. The company has faced cash flow difficulties and has been unable to recover despite efforts to raise funds to sustain operations. It was understood all employees were laid off immediately.

Meanwhile, 1880 Singapore will continue under a new group, retaining its brand. Members of 1880 Hong Kong will be offered a one-year overseas membership to Singapore, which also provides access to Sonato and all reciprocal clubs around the world.

1880 has thanked its members for having been part of the journey to build something special in Hong Kong. "We would like to thank you for being part of our incredible community. We also thank the team at 1880, our partners, and the people at Swire Properties for giving us the opportunity," said the statement.

Meanwhile, 1880 Hong Kong is reportedly accused of owing rent to its landlord, Swire Properties, as well as unpaid wages to more than 100 employees. The Labour Department has received requests for assistance from the affected workers, according to SCMP. 1880’s founder, Marc Nicolson, has apologised to his employees for the closure, stating that the “investment deal” he was trying to finalise has been unsuccessful, according to the report. 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to 1880, Swire Properties and the Labour Department for a statement respectively. 

Don’t miss: Marc Nicholson on how 1880 can inspire conversations in HK with new brand identity

Back in late last year, 1880 announced its expansion to Hong Kong, featuring the 1880 Hong Kong members club and introducing the new 1880 SOCIAL concept, which was open to the public, with the aim of creating a new landmark for connecting work, life and play in the city.

1880’s expansion to Hong Kong marked a new chapter in its mission to inspire conversations that make the world a better place, said Marc Nicholson, 1880 founder, during an interview with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE previously.

“Hong Kong is a very natural choice for us. I mean, it would be at the top of the list, and hence, that's why this is the first club that we're opening outside of Singapore, in terms of the kind of world class, tier one cities[...]you could say Paris, you could say Shanghai, but there are not many other cities in the world where I think we belong,” he added.

1880 Hong Kong spanned four floors, with the first to third floors being 1880 SOCIAL, which was fully accessible for the public. Guests could enjoy a variety of dining options, event spaces, or participate in activities such as panels and events. The 1880 Hong Kong members club was located on the fourth floor, offering members facilities that include a gym, an innovative spa concept, and a signature restaurant brought over from Singapore. Meanwhile, 1880 planned to expand to Brawa in Bali, Indonesia, in 2025, according to the release. 

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