Isetan Tampines bids farewell after 30 years

Isetan has shuttered its Tampines branch after three decades of operations, marking the end of an era for one of Singapore’s most recognisable Japanese department stores.

The closure took effect on 9 November 2025, following the expiry of the store’s lease. In a post on 10 November, Isetan thanked customers and stakeholders for their support over the years, and encouraged shoppers to continue visiting its remaining outlets at Scotts and Serangoon Central.

A video circulating on TikTok shows an Isetan representative thanking shoppers for their years of support and expressing pleasure in serving them, before wishing them well and inviting them to continue visiting the remaining stores. Shoppers responded with cheers and applause as the store’s shutters closed one last time.

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Isetan, headquartered in Tokyo, has a history spanning more than four decades in the fashion retail industry. Its Singapore branch was its first overseas expansion, followed by stores in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Tianjin, Chengdu, and Shanghai. The brand has been widely recognised for its customer service, curated product selection, and commitment to quality, and has maintained a loyal following across Asia.

Despite the Tampines closure, Isetan remains present in Singapore through its Scotts and Serangoon Central stores, continuing its mission of providing quality Japanese retail experiences.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out for more information. 

The closure of Isetan Tampines adds to a growing list of iconic Singapore spaces that have recently shut their doors. In August, independent cinema and arts venue The Projector unveiled it would enter voluntary liquidation after more than a decade of showcasing alternative films and community-focused programming.

Rising operational costs, shifting audience habits, and a global decline in cinema attendance forced the closure, with founder Karen Tan describing the decision as heartbreaking and expressing gratitude to patrons and collaborators who had helped build the venue.

The following month, Cathay Cineplexes, one of Singapore’s longest-standing cinema operators, revealed it would enter creditors’ voluntary liquidation after failing to reach restructuring agreements with multiple landlords and creditors. Attempts to negotiate proved unsuccessful, with the board citing the company’s financial position and the absence of viable restructuring outcomes.

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