Overseas Emporium in Chinatown shuts down after more than 50 years

The time-honoured Overseas Emporium, a beloved store located in the People's Park Complex in Chinatown, has closed its doors after more than 50 years of operations.

The department store, which held a special place in the hearts of many Singaporeans, officially ceased operations on Nov. 17.

Clearance sale

Shin Min Daily News reporters visited the store on multiple occasions this month, observing its gradual closure.

Spanning a wide range of goods, the store's offerings included household items, winter clothing, bird's nest products, and various Chinese medicinal health items.

A long-time staff member revealed that he had spent nearly 50 years of his life working at the emporium, expressing deep ties to the store.

On the final day of operations, Nov. 17, the store’s electronic sign displayed, “Hot discounts! Last day for clearance sale.”

Shoppers reportedly flocked to take advantage of the discounts, creating a bustling atmosphere as customers selected discounted items from the dwindling stock.

Customers saddened

Many regular customers expressed sadness over the store’s closure.

A regular customer in his 70s, surnamed Guo, told Shin Min that he had visited the store the day before to buy shoes and returned to purchase more items.

He spent more than S$20 to buy 10 small jade pendants as keepsakes and gifts.

“I feel a little sad to hear that it will close," he said.

Another customer, surnamed Han, who is about to travel to Shanghai, said that he heard that winter clothes there were discounted by up to 75 per cent.

"The original price was more than S$200, but now it's discounted to only more than S$60. It's really worth it. I have to buy it."

When a Shin Min reporter visited the shop again on Nov. 18 and 20, the shop had already closed its doors.

A clerk confirmed that the store had closed for good and that the space would soon be sold to a travel agency.

Background

Started in 1971, Overseas Emporium was one of the largest Chinese emporiums in Singapore in the 70s.

The main emporium at People's Park Complex offered more than 20,000 square feet of shopping space.

Top photo from Google Photos