Beloved Lim's Holland Village Furniture Store to Close by Early 2025

In a world saturated with online ads for home decor—especially during shopping events like 11.11—Lim's Holland Village has stood out as a unique gem amidst the cookie-cutter offerings. Nestled at #02-01 Holland Village Shopping Centre next to the escalators, this corner store has built a loyal customer base with its distinct furniture pieces that ooze character and charm.

However, after more than half a century of operation, the beloved family-run business has announced plans to close all three of its branches across Singapore by early 2025. The closure was shared on Instagram by co-owners and sisters, Diana, Rachel, and Audrey, on November 5. The branches include locations on Joo Chiat Road and a warehouse in Henderson, the latter of which is currently closed for refurbishment.

Co-owner Audrey Lim, 35, revealed that the family has no urgent timeline for vacating their flagship store, as they own the premises. Yet, with sales booming due to discounts as a result of the closure announcement, she anticipates that the store's stock could be cleared by the end of the upcoming Chinese New Year.

This significant decision follows the passing of their father, Lim Choo Kuan, earlier this year. Reflecting on their family business, the sisters took months to deliberate on their future direction. "It’s just the end of a chapter for us," Audrey explained. Despite numerous attempts to adapt—such as transitioning online and experimenting with pre-orders—they ultimately determined it just wasn’t sustainable or aligned with their father's vision for the business.

Lim’s Holland Village was born in 2016 when the three sisters, alongside their late father, rebranded the family business after a split from Lim's Arts and Crafts, originally founded in the 1970s. This store, under their stewardship, became synonymous with authenticity, offering pieces enriched with stories of their origins.

Audrey noted that the store’s distinctive offerings are due to their firsthand relationships with suppliers in China, cultivated by their father’s pioneering efforts years ago. "The storytelling aspect—providing unique details about where each piece comes from—sets us apart from competitors," she emphasized.

Interestingly, the closure is not attributed to external pressures, such as rising rents or the competition posed by larger retailers like IKEA. Instead, Audrey attributes this shift to evolving customer needs and changing living spaces in the neighborhood. "People’s housing needs have changed. Many come in saying, ‘I love your stuff, but I simply don’t have the space for it,’" she shared.

The emotional toll of this upcoming transition is palpable for the sisters. "This business is not just a transaction; it's intertwined with our family life. It’s where we’ve had endless conversations, shared memories, and formed connections with our customers and their families," Audrey expressed.

Photos of the store often evoke nostalgia for many regulars, some of whom have returned with their teenage children, echoing the sentiments of their own experiences in the shop years ago. "The memories shared here go beyond shopping—they are part of our family history," she reflected.

Despite concerns about the changing landscape of Holland Village—with new residential developments and a shift in tenant mix—Audrey views this evolution with cautious optimism. "Sometimes change can bring about a sense of rejuvenation, and while it feels uncertain now, we are ready to adapt," she remarked.

In her closing thoughts, Audrey emphasized their decision to close is less about lamentation and more about embracing the power of change. "There’s no sob story here; this is a powerful decision for us as a family as we move forward into new adventures."

As Lim's Holland Village prepares to write its final chapter, its legacy as a cherished fixture in the community will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of many.