Overseas Emporium in Chinatown shuts down after more than 50 years

[Ralders]

Overseas Emporium in Chinatown shuts down after more than 50 years​

An end of an era.

November 21, 2024, 12:41 PM​

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

 

[Ralders]

All the ah tiongs sad

 

[laksaboy]

All the ah tiongs sad

It was a local Sinkie Chinese emporium long ago, when the Tiongs were still eating shit in Mao's Cultural Revolution.

 

[laksaboy]

That place is to the Tiongs what Lucky Plaza is to the Pinoys.

Back in the day, it had a larger variety of shops e.g. TCM shops, video game shops.

 

[Pinkieslut]

That place is to the Tiongs what Lucky Plaza is to the Pinoys.

Back in the day, it had a larger variety of shops e.g. TCM shops, video game shops.

Should convert to a mega brothel call it Sammyboy’s Emporium. Can staff with whores from various Tiong province.

 

[laksaboy]

Have you noticed the Tiong-fication of the Overseas Emporium over the years?

During the last few years it was reduced to displaying cheap Tiong products near the entrance.

2008:

2019:

2022:

 

[Ralders]

Have you noticed the Tiong-fication of the Overseas Emporium over the years?

During the last few years it was reduced to displaying cheap Tiong products near the entrance.

2008:

2019:

2022:

Tiongs shop here and scarlet

 

[Ralders]

Hope can open atb mega spa at this location.

 

[LaoHongBiscuit]

Hope can open atb mega spa at this location.

That building the aircon ventilation will give u cancer. i got a friend who used to work there in one of the tour agency..then bo tai bo chi tio lung cancer even when he's not a smoker and jitao stage 4. then mati. That's before covid even arrive on this island