Forever 21 to launch Singapore site 'very soon'
Lisa Kriwangko
AMERICAN fashion brand Forever 21 will be launching its official Singapore site "very soon", following the closure of its last physical store here at 313@Somerset in June.
This is according to Sharaf Group, which is licensed to run Forever 21 in the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The site is currently the group's "biggest focus" for the brand in the region, as it plans to hop on the omni-channel bandwagon, said Punit Dhanwant Mehta, General Manager of Forever 21 at Sharaf Retail.
Mr Mehta also told The Business Times (BT) that customers can expect another physical store once tourism resumes in Singapore.
"We have been in discussion with landlords and there is interest at both ends," he said.
Forever 21 had been at 313@Somerset since the mall launched in 2009. According to the mall's operator Lendlease, the fashion retailer's lease ended in June. Lendlease did not say if it has found a new tenant to replace Forever 21, but the vacated space is currently covered with posters and boards of food and clothing retailer Marks & Spencer. The British brand had previously announced that it would close its Raffles City outlet at the end of last year, but the store has remained open throughout this year.
Known for its inexpensive clothes and accessories, global retailer Forever 21 had filed for bankruptcy in the US in 2019. The brand has since been bought over by Authentic Brands Group, Simon Property Group and Brookfield Property Group.
In Singapore, the Sharaf Group - a conglomerate based in the United Arab Emirates - had previously operated three other Forever 21 outlets islandwide, at Kallang Wave Mall, VivoCity and one above Orchard MRT station. According to its corporate website, the Sharaf Group owns businesses spanning shipping, financial services, tourism, and real estate. It also has the licence to retail brands such as Cotton On, Hello Kitty Spa and Sanrio in the Middle East.
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