Hao Mart hires firm to discuss early lease termination with mall tenants

Experts say case unprecedented due to far-reaching consequences

- Benjamin Lim Correspondent

Supermarket chain Hao Mart has appointed a firm to meet tenants of Taste Orchard to discuss their concerns over the early termination of their leases, The Straits Times has learnt.

In a letter dated Sept 23 that was sent to the affected tenants of the Orchard Road mall, Avista Advisory Partners said it has been engaged by Hao Mart to assist in discussions regarding the lease termination.

The tenants were first notified by Hao Mart, their master tenant, in writing on Sept 12 that their leases had been terminated by OG, the landlord of the building, and they would have to vacate the premises by Dec 31, 2025. They would also have to return their units to their original condition, which worried many tenants as they had made substantial renovations.

“Hao Mart deeply values the professional and cooperative relationship it has built with the tenants (including yourself). We recognise the concerns you have highlighted in your communications to Hao Mart,” Avista, a business advisory firm, said in its letter, which was seen by ST.

“They are important to Hao Mart and we would like to explore them further with you. Given the urgency and importance of the matter, we would appreciate the opportunity to commence the dialogue at the earliest possible time.”

Avista added that it will also communicate with OG to see what can be done.

OG told ST via email on Sept 18 that it is “actively working with Hao Mart to ensure the smooth and orderly vacation of the premises by Dec 31”. It declined to elaborate, cit ing the need to “protect the integri ty of the process and the privacy of those involved”.

Hao Mart did not respond to ST’s queries.

Before receiving Avista’s letter, tenants claimed both Hao Mart and OG were not communicative despite efforts in trying to contact them in the week after receiving the eviction notice.