A beloved Chinese department store, located in Chinatown Singapore, has officially closed its doors for good after 53 years of operations. Overseas Emporium shut on November 17. This marks the end of an era for many long-time patrons. Established in 1971, the store was one of the largest Chinese emporiums in Singapore. It took over two floors at the iconic People’s Park Complex. The store was particularly known for its wide range of household goods, winter clothing, traditional Chinese medicine, healthcare supplements, and much more – all sold at an affordable price.
Closure of Overseas Emporium
The bustling one-stop destination for shoppers of all ages, held a clearance sale, in the days leading up to its final operations. In fact, large crowds were seen securing last-minute bargains. Meanwhile, many customers expressed sadness at the loss of the heritage shopping venue and they shared fond memories of visiting the store as far back as the 1970s.
The closure of Overseas Emporium is a significant loss to Chinatown in Singapore. Interestingly, it was one of the very few remaining traditional department stores in the area. And unfortunately, the closure represents a broader change in consumer habits and urban development, leaving many locals at loss of yet another slice of Singapore’s rich history.
The reasons for the closure of Overseas Emporium have not been shared with the public. Additionally, the former unit owned by Overseas Emporium is set to be taken over by a travel agency.
SEE MORE: The Best Things To Do In Chinatown Singapore This Season
DISCOVER: The Best Things To Do This Weekend In Singapore
Looking for other places to shop? Here Are The Best Shopping Malls In Singapore