SINGAPORE - In a shocking turn of events, British health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett has officially closed all 12 of its stores in Singapore, signaling the brand's exit from the market after almost two decades of operation.

The news was first revealed on the company’s Instagram account on March 10, but reports indicate that the physical closures of its outlets began as early as March 6. A visit by The Straits Times to several locations—including the popular shopping hubs Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 313@somerset, and others—revealed that shelves were either empty or stores were in the process of shutting down. By March 7, the storefront at Nex was boarded up, illustrating the speed of this unexpected closure.

Employees were caught off guard, with one anonymous staff member expressing disbelief and distress over the abrupt decision that saw her working with the company for 12 years. "Everything happened so quickly, and it feels like a nightmare," she lamented.

Customers were similarly blindsided by the sudden closures. One regular reported that he had recently renewed his membership for $88, only to find himself facing a store closure just days later. His frustration was echoed online; he took to the Complaint Singapore Facebook group to voice concerns that Holland & Barrett should have stopped new sign-ups or renewals if bankruptcy was on the horizon.

There were hints of trouble prior to the closures; some customers noticed that shelves were not being restocked during visits, raising suspicions about the brand's viability. Many customers, unaware of the impending shutdown, felt cheated, particularly those who had been lured by recent promotions and membership deals that now hold little value.

On March 7, it became clear that the situation was dire when MA Supplements, the subsidiary responsible for Holland & Barrett in Singapore since 2009, made a statutory declaration of its inability to continue business due to liabilities. This marks a significant step towards winding down operations with creditor meetings scheduled for March 18.

Attempts by The Straits Times to gather more information from MA Supplements and Holland & Barrett about the number of laid-off employees and customer notifications went unanswered by March 10. As the company descends into liquidation, queries are ongoing, with many in Singapore keen to learn how this will affect local jobs and future health and wellness options in the market.

As the health and wellness landscape in Singapore shifts, Holland & Barrett’s exit raises questions about the sustainability of foreign brands in the competitive local market. What does this mean for consumers, employees, and the future of wellness retailing in Singapore? Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story!