Isetan Tampines closes after 30 years, bids emotional farewell to loyal customers

Isetan’s longstanding outlet at Tampines Mall has officially shuttered, marking the end of a 30-year presence in the heartland retail scene. The closure took effect on Sunday, 10 November, following the expiry of its lease agreement with the mall.

In a Facebook post, Isetan Singapore expressed appreciation for the support it received over the years and invited customers to continue visiting its other branches at Scotts and Serangoon Central.

The outlet’s final night drew a sizeable crowd. A TikTok video shared by a user named Ronald captured a woman—believed by the poster to be Isetan’s Managing Director—delivering a short thank-you message outside the store.

Accompanied by staff, she expressed gratitude for the support over the years and encouraged shoppers to visit Isetan’s other locations. She bowed twice before stepping back as the shutters came down.

Staff and onlookers waved goodbye in a heartfelt farewell as cheers and claps rang out. Text overlaid on the video read: “30 years of moments, smiles and memories. Isetan Tampines will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you for being part of our story.”

@obamaron88 A farewell speech by the Isetan boss during the last day of Isetan Tampines at Tampines Mall.Thank u the moments,smiles and memories for past 30 years.  And I still remember tat was the place where my mom first time brought me out to buy clothes 26 years ago #shop #business #farewell #speech #isetan @isetansg @straitstimes @mothershipsg ♬ Kiss the Rain - Elise Bechstein

The minute-long clip, filmed around 9.45pm, quickly gained traction online with more than 116,000 views. Many viewers left nostalgic and emotional comments reflecting on the role Isetan played in their lives.

One commenter recalled the store as a key part of their childhood, while another remarked on the sadness they felt whenever a department store closes its doors.

Ronald, who posted the video, shared that Isetan Tampines was where his mother first brought him to buy clothes 26 years ago. He visited on the store’s last night to revisit those memories and found it difficult to hold back tears as the shutters closed.

He noted that many others who had gathered were in their 40s and had brought their children, suggesting a shared generational connection to the store. He also observed the presence of several Japanese staff members not previously seen at the branch, which led him to believe the woman giving the speech held a senior position within the company.

Despite the emotional weight of the evening, Ronald highlighted the professionalism of the store’s staff, who continued to serve customers attentively. The store reportedly sold out of luggage that night.

Isetan Tampines had been an anchor tenant at Tampines Mall since the mall’s opening in 1996. Over the decades, it built a loyal customer base and became a familiar fixture in the retail landscape of eastern Singapore.

CapitaLand, which operates Tampines Mall, had previously announced that the closure was part of broader plans to refresh the mall’s offerings. The company stated it would be introducing new fashion and beauty brands to occupy the space vacated by Isetan, aiming to enhance the tenant mix and offer new experiences to shoppers.

The closure of Isetan Tampines mirrors a wider trend within the retail sector, where department stores face increasing challenges from rising operating costs, changing consumer preferences, and the growth of e-commerce.

As Tampines Mall looks toward rejuvenation, the memories associated with Isetan’s presence will remain significant for many residents—marking not just the end of a store, but the closing of a cherished chapter in local retail history.