S'pore retail scene looking bright despite challenges: Beyond The Vines co-founder

Singapore's retail scene has seen some difficult years, with high-profile store closures such as Isetan Tampines and the Isetan NEX branch set to close in April 2026.

- Sue-Ann Tan Business Correspondent

But local fashion and lifestyle brand Beyond The Vines, which runs seven bricks-and-mortar retail stores in malls like Takashimaya, Funan and Marina Bay Sands, and another 16 stores overseas, continues to find bright spots for homegrown retailers.

The secret to success lies in constant innovation, clarity in brand identity, and a strong understanding of what customers truly value, said Beyond The Vines co-founder Rebecca Ting, who started the brand with her husband, Mr Daniel Chew, in 2015.

"It's no secret that running a retail business in Singapore can be challenging. Rentals are high, and the market here is limited, which means competition is tight even among local brands," she told The Straits Times.

"And with retail becoming so accessible online, customers can shop from anywhere in the world now, so physical stores really need to work harder to stay relevant."

For Beyond The Vines, the selling point was that the brand sat right at the intersection of design and purpose.

Ms Ting said: "Everything we create has to serve the customer in a meaningful way while still expressing a clear and considered aesthetic.

"We think a lot about how people actually live, from what they carry and how they move to what they reach for every day, and we design to solve those real, everyday problems. Purposeful design, customer awareness, and a strong, consistent visual language guide everything we do."

She also remains optimistic about the local retail scene, despite the many challenges, "because there's so much creativity here", she said.

"I've met so many small entrepreneurs, be it from independent creators like Sonogo with its 3D-printed lamps or other young design-led businesses, who are bringing fresh, exciting ideas into the market," she added.