Robinsons closes for good in Singapore

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Wed, 23 Dec 2020 05:00:17 GMT

janet88 — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 05:00:17 GMT

KeeChoo\" post_id=\"2009031\" time=\"1608621632\" user_id=\"182971:

We used to always visit this place but the prices are really high compared to others.. that's how it is I guess

once prices are ridiculous, stores will close down. when there are other stores like Taka, Metro, Isetan, BHG offering same items, who will buy from Robinsons? i wanted to get a kitchenaid steamer. at metro, it was selling for $158.
then I happened to pop over to taka. the same item selling at $138....metro paragon is just opposite Taka.

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Tue, 22 Dec 2020 07:20:32 GMT

KeeChoo — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 07:20:32 GMT

We used to always visit this place but the prices are really high compared to others… that’s how it is I guess

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Mon, 23 Nov 2020 06:31:22 GMT

TabNas — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 06:31:22 GMT

Sad to see so many companies closing down but maybe that’s only the beginning

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Mon, 09 Nov 2020 02:38:01 GMT

janet88 — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 02:38:01 GMT

phtthp\" post_id=\"2001743\" time=\"1604747824\" user_id=\"35251:

daddyKurtis26\" post_id=\"2001587\" time=\"1604651614\" user_id=\"182991:
I agree, expensive pricing not very competitive with other markets
once Robinson out-priced themselves, they lost the consumers market share of the pie very fast

the pricing is just ridiculous.

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Sat, 07 Nov 2020 11:17:04 GMT

phtthp — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 11:17:04 GMT

daddyKurtis26\" post_id=\"2001587\" time=\"1604651614\" user_id=\"182991:

I agree, expensive pricing not very competitive with other markets

once Robinson out-priced themselves, they lost the consumers market share of the pie very fast

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Sat, 07 Nov 2020 04:11:52 GMT

janet88 — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 04:11:52 GMT

daddyKurtis26\" post_id=\"2001587\" time=\"1604651614\" user_id=\"182991:

I agree, expensive pricing not very competitive with other markets

if ordinary household stuff are priced more expensive than other malls, why would anyone want to buy from Robinsons? the management is nuts! I would compare prices since there are a few big retailers.

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Fri, 06 Nov 2020 02:05:03 GMT

janet88 — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 02:05:03 GMT

lee_yl\" post_id=\"2001463\" time=\"1604595414\" user_id=\"17023:

I do not think online shopping or Covid kills Robinsons. Newspaper reported that Robinsons has been losing money for years, about $21mil last year. I would think they were still profitable at Centrepoint before shifting to Hereen.

Now I am a regular of BHG. I also like Taka and Isetan Orchard (supermarket). I rarely shop online for clothes.

I find it difficult to shop online for clothes. no matter what, I need to try before buying.

online shopping did not kill Robinsons...it's the atas image and expensive pricing which did.
when Robinsons was at centrepoint, the crowds were still there as things were affordable.

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Thu, 05 Nov 2020 16:56:54 GMT

lee_yl — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 16:56:54 GMT

I do not think online shopping or Covid kills Robinsons. Newspaper reported that Robinsons has been losing money for years, about $21mil last year. I would think they were still profitable at Centrepoint before shifting to Hereen.

Now I am a regular of BHG. I also like Taka and Isetan Orchard (supermarket). I rarely shop online for clothes.

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Thu, 05 Nov 2020 02:26:17 GMT

janet88 — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 02:26:17 GMT

was at Robinsons hereen yesterday. nothing worth buying. many shelves cleared.

mum bought a cooking pan from Taka yesterday…when passed by tangs, did some window shopping there. found that same thing costs $30 more at tangs.

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Mon, 02 Nov 2020 12:02:41 GMT

janet88 — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 12:02:41 GMT

many of us will miss the good old Robinsons…things were so much more affordable then. growing up in the 80s, we had so much fun.

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Mon, 02 Nov 2020 10:53:58 GMT

MrsKiasu — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 10:53:58 GMT

Coolkidsrock2\" post_id=\"2001067\" time=\"1604296838\" user_id=\"48901:

A lot of people were already shopping online before the pandemic. It's transparent, convenient and prices competitive. Product offerings are also more trendy and more options are readily available.

For clothes, one can opt for local start-ups, Korean websites or European/American brands - all simply by swiping while to/fro work or anytime convenient. No hassle of crowd or closing time. If it does not fit, return is typically free. Just drop off at most convenient postal service.

The pandemic pushed more people online and once people become familiar with it, they may not switch back.

agree .. cheaper online .. aircon places we have many many around us..

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Mon, 02 Nov 2020 10:51:51 GMT

MrsKiasu — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 10:51:51 GMT

phtthp\" post_id=\"2001083\" time=\"1604303549\" user_id=\"35251:

janet88\" post_id=\"2000938\" time=\"1604193381\" user_id=\"12950:
[quote=lee_yl post_id=2000909 time=1604154007 user_id=17023]

So ironical, long queues at The Heeren to pick up discounted items before Robinsons closes shop,
reminds me of “ The Sale Worth Waiting for...”

I also bought my Simmons mattress at Robinson Centrepoint back then and baby products like strollers from John Little. The Robinsons’ sales at Centrepoint was really genuine and worth waiting for.

After change of boss and the decision to move from Centrepoint to Hereen, looking at expensive marble cashier countertops and selection of their goods, guess the boss wanted Robinson to go atas.
Perhaps, not familiar with what most Singaporean uncles/aunties are looking for.
the change to a Dubai boss and making the brand so high end means everything will be expensive. the boss probably thinks Singaporeans are loaded or money falls from the sky like him.

I bought daughter's cot from JL. I was so sad when Robinsons exited from centrepoint. still remember those 'centrepoint kids' from the 80s.

Yes, recalled this scene when Robinson was located at Centre point.

Every Christmas, I loved to go Centrepoint, stood in front of this very tall high transparent glass window display of all the beautiful, creative decorative style and display of mannequin model wearing different colored nicely designed clothes and cute, pretty Christmas presents wrapped up beside these mannequin. And Christmas celebrative mood was heavy in the air, with many shoppers bustling down the street, talking, chatting happily away. Inside Centre point shopping centre, you can hear Christmas carol played in the background softly, \"Rudolph, the red nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose ... \"

Standing nearby, got one boy dressed up in Santa Claus red and green suit, holding a box asking for donation and rang a little bell every now and then, \"ding ding ding\" asking for walking-past by pedestrians to donate to charity

Sigh ! Life is ... like a dream. Those were the good, old days.[/quote]woah I could hear it now! those were the days..

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Mon, 02 Nov 2020 07:52:29 GMT

phtthp — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 07:52:29 GMT

janet88\" post_id=\"2000938\" time=\"1604193381\" user_id=\"12950:

lee_yl\" post_id=\"2000909\" time=\"1604154007\" user_id=\"17023:
[quote=janet88 post_id=2000784 time=1604069673 user_id=12950]
after the change of boss, prices of stuff escalated quite a lot. I found myself walking out empty handed on several occasions.
So ironical, long queues at The Heeren to pick up discounted items before Robinsons closes shop,
reminds me of “ The Sale Worth Waiting for...”

I also bought my Simmons mattress at Robinson Centrepoint back then and baby products like strollers from John Little. The Robinsons’ sales at Centrepoint was really genuine and worth waiting for.

After change of boss and the decision to move from Centrepoint to Hereen, looking at expensive marble cashier countertops and selection of their goods, guess the boss wanted Robinson to go atas.
Perhaps, not familiar with what most Singaporean uncles/aunties are looking for.

the change to a Dubai boss and making the brand so high end means everything will be expensive. the boss probably thinks Singaporeans are loaded or money falls from the sky like him.

I bought daughter's cot from JL. I was so sad when Robinsons exited from centrepoint. still remember those 'centrepoint kids' from the 80s.[/quote]Yes, recalled this scene when Robinson was located at Centre point.

Every Christmas, I loved to go Centrepoint, stood in front of this very tall high transparent glass window display of all the beautiful, creative decorative style and display of mannequin model wearing different colored nicely designed clothes and cute, pretty Christmas presents wrapped up beside these mannequin. And Christmas celebrative mood was heavy in the air, with many shoppers bustling down the street, talking, chatting happily away. Inside Centre point shopping centre, you can hear Christmas carol played in the background softly, \"Rudolph, the red nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose ... \"

Standing nearby, got one boy dressed up in Santa Claus red and green suit, holding a box asking for donation and rang a little bell every now and then, \"ding ding ding\" asking for walking-past by pedestrians to donate to charity

Sigh ! Life is ... like a dream. Those were the good, old days.

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Mon, 02 Nov 2020 06:00:38 GMT

Coolkidsrock2 — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 06:00:38 GMT

A lot of people were already shopping online before the pandemic. It’s transparent, convenient and prices competitive. Product offerings are also more trendy and more options are readily available.

For clothes, one can opt for local start-ups, Korean websites or European/American brands - all simply by swiping while to/fro work or anytime convenient. No hassle of crowd or closing time. If it does not fit, return is typically free. Just drop off at most convenient postal service.

The pandemic pushed more people online and once people become familiar with it, they may not switch back.

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Mon, 02 Nov 2020 01:51:05 GMT

janet88 — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 01:51:05 GMT

I think M&S will exit too…was at raffles city yesterday. the queue was snaking LONG to enter Robinsons.

heard people making comments, ‘don’t close down, don’t go Robinsons. closing down, long queue to enter.’

how many rich people are there in Singapore? Robinsons made the foolish move to go high end thinking rich people will support but forgot the commoners. so there you go, target high end and commoners can’t afford. shopping malls in the suburbs provided convenience for us. even when Robinsons opened in Jem, prices were on high side, so they have only themselves to blame and not due to heartland malls causing them to close down.

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Sun, 01 Nov 2020 10:59:05 GMT

phtthp — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 10:59:05 GMT

janet88\" post_id=\"2000939\" time=\"1604193700\" user_id=\"12950:

ngl2010\" post_id=\"2000903\" time=\"1604149610\" user_id=\"40978:
M&S belongs to Al-Futtaim too, right? I hope they won’t pullout M&S from Singapore...
I'm not surprised M&S will exit too. the stuff sold there are even more ex than Robinsons!

I remember buying duckbill brand of clothes for my son from Robinsons. the quality was good...so good that it could pass down to daughter and subsequently to friend's kids. also bought osh kosh from Robinsons. those were the days :sad:

https://www.google.com.sg/amp/s/www.businesstimes.com.sg/wealth-investing/days-of-department-stores-are-numbered%3Famp

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Sun, 01 Nov 2020 07:01:15 GMT

Coolkidsrock2 — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 07:01:15 GMT

janet88\" post_id=\"2000939\" time=\"1604193700\" user_id=\"12950:

ngl2010\" post_id=\"2000903\" time=\"1604149610\" user_id=\"40978:
M&S belongs to Al-Futtaim too, right? I hope they won’t pullout M&S from Singapore...
I'm not surprised M&S will exit too. the stuff sold there are even more ex than Robinsons!

Will not be surprised too if they exit too. But their food is quite popular.

Will stock up on their sleepwear just in case.

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Sun, 01 Nov 2020 04:59:32 GMT

phtthp — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 04:59:32 GMT

A few reasons, led to the closure of Robinson, over a passage of time past decades

1) their own Robinson internal marketing strategy deployed, in targeting at the rich, upper high end of consumers, after shifted out from Centrepoint. Commoners, are side lined

2) high monthly rental costs incurred, in Orchard road area

3) the sprouting of several shopping mall, within each heartland HDB estate.

Robinson told Business Times that all these shopping malls caused them to struggle :-

https://www.femalemag.com.sg/fashion/closure-end-demise-crisis-department-store-retail-shopping-outlets-mall-covid-2020/

E.g. North point, Compass Point, Jurong Point, JEM, Kovan Heartland mall, Bedok mall, Bugis Junction, Chinatown Point, Harbourfront Vivo City, Clementi mall, Tampines mall, Pasir Ris white sands, Simei Eastpoint mall, Paya Lebar Square / Quarter, Ang Mo kio hub, Novena Square, Bishan Junction 8, Toa Payoh Central shopping mall, Holland Village, Bukit Timah shopping centre, Beauty world centre, Sembawang mall, Raffles City shopping mall, Sengkang / Punggol / Woodlands housing estate also have their own mall, making it all so convenient for consumers to just shop near their own house. They literally brought the shopping centre, right to your very door step

4) the giant online internet marketing competitor, enable placing of sales & order with manufacturers directly , bypassed the middle-men layer.

5) covid-19 culprit,
where many
\"Non-essential\" workers
lost job income, all tightening wallet belts at home in the event of rainy days ahead, don't anyhow spend $ un-necessarily.

Non-essential workers particularly from the tourism travel, hotel, airline industry, entertainment night club, cinema, massage palor, small eateries, shops located inside mega shopping mall, etc.

If non-essential workers lose job, where got mood to go restaurant makan every week end or go overseas holiday travelling around ?

Essential workers working in Healthcare industry also faced a potential great risk, as they come into contact with patients daily. Some may be working inside those highly contagious risk hospital ward.

covid-19 not only caused physical deaths to those who contacted it, but also paralysed economies globally world-wide, economy grind to a halt during circuit breaker lock-down, bankrupt several businesses and also caused mental stress and depression to several family household members, until some need to see psychiatrists

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Sun, 01 Nov 2020 03:36:07 GMT

MrsKiasu — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 03:36:07 GMT

I m just guessing probably when they planning malls in heartlands, that could be one of the purposes…to divert and focus on certain crowd?

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Sun, 01 Nov 2020 03:26:51 GMT

phtthp — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 03:26:51 GMT

lee_yl\" post_id=\"2000909\" time=\"1604154007\" user_id=\"17023:

janet88\" post_id=\"2000784\" time=\"1604069673\" user_id=\"12950:

after the change of boss, prices of stuff escalated quite a lot. I found myself walking out empty handed on several occasions.
So ironical, long queues at The Heeren to pick up discounted items before Robinsons closes shop,
reminds me of “ The Sale Worth Waiting for...”

I also bought my Simmons mattress at Robinson Centrepoint back then and baby products like strollers from John Little. The Robinsons’ sales at Centrepoint was really genuine and worth waiting for.

After change of boss and the decision to move from Centrepoint to Hereen, looking at expensive marble cashier countertops and selection of their goods, guess the boss wanted Robinson to go atas.
Perhaps, not familiar with what most Singaporean uncles/aunties are looking for.

wrong marketing strategy deployed. In catering to the rich & wealthy high end consumers, they side-lined the commoners. As a result, commoners are turned away by the expensive price tag, hence lost a big chunk of consumers.

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Sun, 01 Nov 2020 03:25:04 GMT

MrsKiasu — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 03:25:04 GMT

Past few years my shopping habits changed (online+overseasshopping)..plus more careful with money habit that I m having now..think back if I m not the only one arh..it will be a timing issue only for existence.. younger ones I think more online shopping? I remember thinking of pricing not matching with quality when shopping few yrs ago..the more lesser fun there plus shift of focus in our life

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Sun, 01 Nov 2020 01:21:40 GMT

janet88 — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 01:21:40 GMT

ngl2010\" post_id=\"2000903\" time=\"1604149610\" user_id=\"40978:

M&S belongs to Al-Futtaim too, right? I hope they won’t pullout M&S from Singapore...

I'm not surprised M&S will exit too. the stuff sold there are even more ex than Robinsons!

I remember buying duckbill brand of clothes for my son from Robinsons. the quality was good...so good that it could pass down to daughter and subsequently to friend's kids. also bought osh kosh from Robinsons. those were the days :sad:

Reply to Robinsons closes for good in Singapore on Sun, 01 Nov 2020 01:16:21 GMT

janet88 — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 01:16:21 GMT

lee_yl\" post_id=\"2000909\" time=\"1604154007\" user_id=\"17023:

janet88\" post_id=\"2000784\" time=\"1604069673\" user_id=\"12950:

after the change of boss, prices of stuff escalated quite a lot. I found myself walking out empty handed on several occasions.
So ironical, long queues at The Heeren to pick up discounted items before Robinsons closes shop,
reminds me of “ The Sale Worth Waiting for...”

I also bought my Simmons mattress at Robinson Centrepoint back then and baby products like strollers from John Little. The Robinsons’ sales at Centrepoint was really genuine and worth waiting for.

After change of boss and the decision to move from Centrepoint to Hereen, looking at expensive marble cashier countertops and selection of their goods, guess the boss wanted Robinson to go atas.
Perhaps, not familiar with what most Singaporean uncles/aunties are looking for.