Malaysia
Singapore
Thailand
Popular Korean convenience store chain Emart24 has abruptly closed all 3 of its outlets in Singapore as of 18 Mar 2024.
The news first broke via a post on the Singapore Atrium Sale Facebook page on the afternoon of 18 Mar. A quick online search reveals this to be true — the Google Maps profiles for its Jurong Point, NEX and Margaret Market outlets have been updated to reflect a “Permanently Closed” status.
Nonetheless, we remain in the dark about the reason behind these closures, as Emart24 has yet to give a formal update or announcement of any sort on its social media pages.
Emart24 is a famous Korean convenience store chain that’s well-known for its variety of affordable Korean street food, ready-to-eat meals, drinks and lifestyle items. It boasts a widespread presence in Asia, with thousands of outlets in Korea and numerous international outlets, including 48 in Malaysia.
On the other hand, its presence on our little red dot has been rather short-lived; its sudden closure comes after slightly over a year of operations.
Emart24 first landed on our shores in end-2022, with its first opening in Jurong Point on 23 Dec 2022. A second outlet in NEX followed shortly after, on 24 Dec 2022. Its third outlet in Margaret Market came slightly later in Jul 2023.
The initial opening was a highly anticipated affair, with Singaporeans flocking to the stores in its first days. Throngs of customers were seen enjoying street snacks in the likes of iconic Handmade Corn Dogs, Tteokbokki, Kimbap and signature CUPBAP Rice Bowls.
Part of this allure had to do with the novelty of experiencing Korean convenience store culture right here at home. Emart24 allowed for unique tastes of Korea and such culture in the simple form of automated DIY ramyun machines and its range of viral packet drinks poured in ice cups.
For a moment, it felt as though we could enjoy ramyun at the Han River and sip on iced Americanos in the streets of Myeongdong, all from the comfort of a local shopping mall.
The sudden departure of Emart24 is indeed saddening. Nonetheless, I’m sure many of us are more than ready to welcome them back with open arms, or any international convenience store brands for that matter.
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