RETAILING IN SINGAPORE: COPING WITH CHANGE?

The nature of retailing in Singapore has changed significantly over the past three decades, reflecting the growing affluence of the population and the influx of tourists, particularly those from Japan. A major influence in these changes has been the Government which has arranged for the development of planned shopping centres in both the central area and the suburban new towns. However, in the 1990s a further wave of change is coming: the nature of retailing is changing as a result of an economic downturn and the growing number of foreign retailers operating on the island. In addition, the Government has decided to shake up the small shop sector and to allow major retail developments in the suburban areas. The net result is likely to be a further period of upheaval and it is by no means certain that Singaporean retailers are going to be winners this time.