Household retail chain Japan Home has closed multiple stores islandwide.
From June to July, the business shared on Facebook that it had moving out sales for its Northpoint City, Century Square, HarbourFront Centre, Buangkok Square and Hougang Mall branches.
Checks by AsiaOne found that Japan Home’s e-commerce site was “under maintenance”.
Its corporate site also posted that its membership programmes have ceased, effective July 21.
Japan Home has not shared the reasons for these closures and discontinuation of services.
However, staff told The Business Times that the current situation was due to a “change of management”, with some saying that the business has been sold to Valu$, a budget-friendly retail chain that sells food and household essentials at discounted prices.
Workers also told the paper that some outlets are already jointly operated with Valu$, including those in Bedok and Woodlands, with more stores likely to be converted towards this arrangement in the future.
A check by The Business Times at nine of Japan Home’s locations revealed that six were closed for stocktaking while another three were shuttered.
Valu$ stocks could also be seen in some stores while some staff working inside were seen wearing Valu$ uniforms.
According to Japan Home’s website, it operated 34 outlets islandwide prior to the closures.
The brand was founded in Hong Kong in 1991 and opened its first stores in Singapore in 1999 at Toa Payoh, Ang Mo Kio and Bugis Village.
The store was popular for its affordable lifestyle and home living products, which ranged from cleaning to beauty items.
AsiaOne has reached out to Japan Home for more details.
melissateo@asiaone.com
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