Holland & Barrett closed all 12 Singapore stores after 15+ years

Holland & Barrett, one of Britain's oldest health and wellness retailers, closed all 12 of its stores in Singapore in March 2025, ending more than 15 years of presence in the market. The closure was announced on March 10, 2025, with some stores shutting as early as March 6.

The exit was triggered by financial difficulties at MA Supplements, the local company that operated Holland & Barrett's Singapore outlets under a franchise or licensing arrangement. MA Supplements filed a statutory declaration citing its inability to continue trading, which forced the immediate winding down of operations.

Holland & Barrett's product range — vitamins, supplements, and health foods with a distinctly British orientation — faced structural challenges in Singapore. The market was dominated by Asian health supplement brands with stronger consumer recognition, and the chain's premium pricing struggled against local competitors and e-commerce alternatives. The brand's UK-centric positioning, which worked in markets like the Middle East, did not translate well to Southeast Asia's different health and wellness preferences.

The abrupt closure left employees, landlords, and customers with little notice. In a subsequent development, DFI Retail Group (operator of Guardian pharmacies) brought Holland & Barrett products back to Singapore through Guardian stores in 2026, suggesting the product had demand but the standalone retail model was not viable.