[Update on Apr. 1, 2023, 4:10pm: CapitaLand explained in a media statement that Catbake had taken possession of a unit prior to the mall's opening.
However, the bakery apparently informed the mall that they were experiencing a lack of manpower, and will thus be unable to operate the store.
You can read CapitaLand's statement in full below.]
Catbake has informed us recently that due to a lack in manpower, they will not be able to operate the store. We are current reviewing Catbake's request, and in the meantime, have removed its store name from the mall’s store directory on 28 March.
We are sorry for any confusion that this has caused and are continuing to engage Catbake to extend our assistance and support.
Sengkang Grand Mall welcomed shoppers on 6 March and now boasts a selection of over 70 stores. About 20 more stores such as Mothercare and Duke Bakery will begin operations by Q2 2023. We thank shoppers for their support and feedback and will continue to fine-tune our offerings to delight them.
Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://t.me/mothershipsg
Catbake is not opening at Sengkang Grand Mall after all, despite the Japanese bakery being listed as "Opening Soon" on the mall's directory.
A spokesperson for the brand has updated Mothership that the bakery is unfortunately not making its foray into the north-east.
The name on the directory was apparently put up before confirmation, and will be removed, the spokesperson explained.
When we checked in the late morning of Mar. 29, Catbake was nowhere to be found in the directory.
Upon further queries, the bakery elaborated that they found the store area "not ideal" for the opening of a bakery concept store, but did not go into details about it.
Business at their original outlet, The Star Vista, has been brisk, and the brand is "open" to exploring expansion opportunities.
CapitaLand did not provide a statement by press time.
Top image via Catbake