New Bahru Mall in Singapore Blends Heritage Charm with Local Retail Innovation

In Singapore’s bustling retail landscape, the opening of New Bahru stands out not just for its newness, but for its innovative approach to drawing crowds. Developed by The Lo & Behold Group, the mall is housed in a converted school compound, Nan Chiau High School, retaining original features like the school hall and classrooms-turned-shops. This preservation effort resonates well in a city where heritage conservation sparks ongoing discussions, adding a unique charm and historical appeal to the shopping experience.

Amidst stiff competition from ecommerce, malls like New Bahru are distinguishing themselves with unique offerings. For instance, One Holland Village markets itself as pet-friendly, and CapitaLand revamped Clarke Quay to offer daytime activities alongside its nightlife. These adaptations reflect a broader trend among malls to cater to changing consumer preferences and interests beyond traditional retail.

Wee Teng Wen, managing partner at The Lo & Behold Group, emphasizes the mall’s focus on local brands and experiences. This strategy taps into a growing consumer interest in supporting homegrown businesses. During the mall’s soft-launch, visitors could sample locally brewed coffee and participate in crafting workshops, highlighting the appeal of hands-on, community-oriented retail experiences.

“We want to showcase what Singapore has to offer beyond the usual shopping malls,” remarked Wee. This sentiment underscores a shift towards authentic, locally-driven retail concepts that celebrate Singaporean creativity and entrepreneurship.

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Despite its secluded location in River Valley, with accessibility challenges for non-drivers, New Bahru aims to attract discerning shoppers seeking something distinct from typical mall offerings. By providing a platform for online brands like Soilboy and Omno to establish physical presence, New Bahru bridges the gap between virtual and physical shopping realms, catering to consumers who value tactile shopping experiences and unique, locally-sourced products.