Research Project FM Studio

Research Project FM Studio
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Research Project FM Studio
In Singapore, the retail industry is highly visible and it is regarded as a critical component of the economy. Apart from being a business source, it defines the way Singaporeans and international shoppers work and live. Multi-label boutiques and concept stores in Singapore are some of the latest retailing concepts introduced in the market. Bruce (2012) says that multi-label boutiques are providing shoppers with an opportunity to shop independently. In addition, fashion stores enables people to stand out from the rest of the crowd since fashionists are providing perfect fashion-forward bargains. Several concept stores and multi-label boutiques have been established in Singapore and this has enabled people to widen their fashion horizons.
Retail concepts
Several retailing concepts have been applied in Singapore and most of them have been designed to meet the needs of both locals and foreigners. For instance, people who have had an opportunity to visit shopping centers in the country are aware of the ‘Orchard Road’, a famous shopping district in the country (Adrian, 2011). One major retailing concept applied in this region is a focus on luxury brands such as Anne Foutaine reside, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.


Multi-label fashions (Source: Bruce, 2012)
This shopping district is popular among tourists and it is increasingly becoming a hot spot for multi-label boutiques and concept stores. Since the retail scene is cosmopolitan, Singapore is one of the four Asian countries which were rated in the top 20 countries in the world in terms of international retailers who frequent their retail sectors (Adrian, 2011). In terms of retailing concepts, Singapore has managed to established popular global brands such as Massimo Dutti, Sephora, Gap and TM Lewin. Multi-label boutiques and concepts stores are among some of the most popular identity stores in the country.

National concepts
Most of the new brands being sold through multi-label boutiques are taking into consideration both national and international concepts. For instance, local brands are set to gain more marketing opportunities as new malls are opened such as ION Orchard, Orchard Central, and Marina Bay Sands (Bruce, 2012). This has elicited a lot of excitement as Singapore sets to establish itself as the most popular retail shopping destinations. Concepts stores and multi-label boutiques will benefit greatly as life-style related sectors are established. These shopping destinations are ebullient and vibrant and this is the major reason why they attract both local and foreign shoppers.
However, Shyan (2009) says that for the new retailing concepts to remain competitive, several factors which affect the industry must be addressed. Multi-label boutiques require a high degree of specialization and professionalism. Singapore market is relatively labor intensive but the productivity of labor in the retail industry has not increased considerably (Bruce, 2012). Recruiting highly trained manpower is another challenge that is facing several retailers in Singapore. As a whole, the retail sector in Singapore is only 50% productive when compared to that of the UK and U.S. Some of the factors which drags it down relates to the operations of the industry such as the extent of outsourcing and the structure of the industry. The U.S., Hong Kong, Australia and Japan have leveraged on innovation, technology and flexibility in deploying manpower so as to record increased productivity.


Ashley Isham designs (Source: Adrian, 2011)
Shyan (2009) argues that the multi-label boutiques and concept sto...