Cathay Cineplexes closes down, those with unused tickets wondering about refunds

Cathay Cineplexes has ceased operations with immediate effect after it announced in a notice that its 86-year run as a cinema operator has come to an end.

The cinema operator said on Sep. 1 that it will enter into voluntary liquidation.

This was following more than two months of brewing uncertainty about its future.

Visitors to the cinema operator's website on Monday evening were greeted with a notice of the cessation of its operations.

Showtimes are no longer displayed on the "Now showing" page.

Its remaining four outlets were at Causeway Point, Downtown East, Century Square and Clementi 321.

Some reminisce, others ask about refund

On the cinema operator's Facebook and Instagram accounts, the closure announcement led some to reminisce about their memories at Cathay Cineplexes and mourn the end of an era.

Other movie-goers with unused tickets are now likely left holding the bag and wondering if they can get a refund.

Earlier in February, the cinema operator launched the "Save Our Screens" (SOS) campaign in an attempt to raise funds to keep the films rolling in its movie halls.

Complete with celebrity endorsements and shout-outs, the campaign saw the sale of S$100 voucher sets comprising 10 movie tickets and 10 popcorn and drinks combo sets.

On Facebook, one commenter pointed out that the writing was on the wall when the SOS campaign launched.

Another shared that she was fortunate enough to have sought a refund on her SOS vouchers, even though she had wanted to help the cinema chain.

Responding to comments, one commenter suggested that ticket holders would have to email the liquidators to be listed as a creditor.

The liquidator's email is included in the notice displayed on its website and social media pages.

After the SOS campaign launch, those who bought the voucher sets found out that the tickets could only be used on a limited selection of films due to "distributor guidelines".

In March, Cathay Cineplexes put up a post on Facebook clarifying that the vouchers could still be used to redeem popcorn and drinks while also offering refunds on the voucher sets.

Mothership reached out to mm2 Asia, Cathay Cineplexes' parent company, about refunds as well as information about the number of affected staff.

mm2 Asia declined to comment.

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Top image via Cathay Cineplexes, Google Maps