In a surprising turn of events, Holland & Barrett, the well-known British health and wellness retailer, has closed all 12 of its stores in Singapore, signalling its exit from the market after over 15 years. This abrupt move was officially announced on the brand's Instagram account on March 10, but reports suggest that many outlets had already begun closing as early as March 6.

During a visit by The Straits Times, five locations—including Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 313@somerset, Isetan Scotts, Suntec City, and Nex—were found largely deserted, with shelves either stripped bare or staff packing up the remaining stock. Notably, the Nex store had been boarded up by March 7.

In a perplexing twist, the AMK Hub location displayed a sign on March 7 stating it was "currently closed," advising customers to check the Holland & Barrett website for health and wellness updates. Employees of the brand expressed their shock regarding the closures, as one long-time worker lamented the suddenness of the decision: "Everything happened so quickly, and it feels like a nightmare," she shared.

Regular customers also voiced their frustrations, particularly regarding the lack of advance notice. One loyal shopper revealed that he had recently renewed his membership for $88 and received two vouchers worth $150 each, valid until July. He questioned why the company continued accepting sign-ups and renewals when plans for closure were underway. Suspicions were raised about the store’s declining inventory as items were not being restocked during earlier visits.

By March 6, queries sent to Holland & Barrett concerning layoffs and customer notifications went unanswered. The parent company, MA Supplements, which brought the brand to Singapore in 2009, made a statutory declaration of its inability to continue operations amidst financial liabilities. This declaration marks a critical step towards formal liquidation proceedings, with creditor meetings scheduled for March 18.

At its height, Holland & Barrett boasted 27 stores in Singapore, adapted to meet the local appetite for health products ranging from vitamins and supplements to healthy snacks and organic items. Founded in 1870, the brand has expanded globally, operating 1,368 stores across 16 countries before this surprising withdrawal from Singapore.

As the dust settles from this sudden closure, questions remain about the fate of employees and the series of events that led to this significant retail exit. What does this mean for the health and wellness landscape in Singapore? Only time will tell, but it’s clear that this once-thriving retailer has taken a dramatic turn, leaving both customers and staff reeling. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story!