Retail Reits need to pivot to omnichannel options, de-emphasise F&B

IT IS raining results for Singapore-listed real estate investment trusts (S-Reits).

A common thread running through the barrage of briefings accompanying the result announcements is that things are improving. This is especially true for those in the retail sector, which are generally coming off a low base after having been battered by border closures and other measures amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Overall, the message is a simple one: We're learning to adapt; and when the coronavirus goes away, we'll be back to pre-Covid levels. Except, Covid may be here to stay, and the retail S-Reits may need to do more to thrive - and not just survive - as the pandemic turns endemic.