Singapore – In a surprising move, U.K. health and wellness giant Holland & Barrett has ceased its operations in Singapore, closing all 12 of its stores after 15 years in the market. The announcement, made on the company's official Instagram page on March 10, 2024, followed a series of abrupt store closures that began on March 6.

Reports from The Straits Times detailed scenes of emptied shelves and hurried packing at locations such as Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 313@Somerset, Isetan Scotts, Suntec City, and NEX. The NEX outlet was reportedly completely boarded up by March 7. An AMK Hub location had a sign stating that it was "temporarily closed", and directed customers to the companies web page.

The suddenness of the closures has left many employees reeling. One individual, claiming to be a Holland & Barrett employee, expressed their shock and sadness on Facebook, stating that they were in disbelief, and that they had worked at the company for 12 years.

Analysts suggest that Holland & Barrett's departure underscores the highly competitive nature of Singapore's health and wellness sector. The market has seen a surge in both online and offline retailers, providing consumers with an extensive range of choices. This increased competition likely contributed to Holland & Barrett's decision to exit the Singaporean market.

The closure has also been met with disappointment from consumers who had come to rely on Holland & Barrett for their health and wellness needs.