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Singapore mall landlords are adapting to changing consumer habits, but there’s room for new approaches

Suggestions from market players include mixed-use developments that will ease reliance on rents and tapping underused spaces for pop-ups

Chong Xin Wei
Published Fri, Aug 29, 2025 · 06:07 PM
    • Ion Orchard is part of CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust's portfolio. The trust monitors occupancy costs by trade categories, as each business type has different operating models and margins.
    • Ion Orchard is part of CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust's portfolio. The trust monitors occupancy costs by trade categories, as each business type has different operating models and margins. PHOTO: CAPITALAND

    [SINGAPORE] In a difficult retail market, landlords of managed Singapore malls are adapting their strategies to the conditions, with moves such as flexible leases, tenant curation and marketing support. But industry players say there is still room to explore new approaches to help retailers cope with changing consumer habits.

    High rents have long been a point of contention.

    Rent takes up between 10 and 30 per cent of a retailer’s operating costs, said Ernie Koh, president of the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA).

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