Hao Mart’s timeline: How Singapore’s homegrown retail chain shuts down most outlets in 5 years
Singapore supermarket and minimart chain Hao Mart has seen its number of outlets plunging from 51 to six in almost five years, as the forced closures of its outlets and endless legal battles kept the retailer in the red.
Hao Mart, a Singaporean retail chain founded by Tan Kim Yong, experienced a rapid expansion between 2016 and 2021, with the company operating 51 outlets by 2021. In 2021, Hao Mart launched a 5-story concept store at the OG Orchard Point building in Orchard Road, signing a 7.5-year lease. However, the lease became problematic when OG alleged that Hao Mart breached the agreement, leading to a lawsuit in October 2025.
The case involved allegations of unpaid rent and subletting parts of the mall without approval, with Hao Mart denying the claims and seeking SGD3.5 million in damages. Additionally, Hao Mart filed a lawsuit against PropNex and its agent for misrepresentation in leasing the Taste Orchard premises. The company's troubles intensified as it faced mounting legal battles, with its profits turning negative in 2023.
By 2025, Hao Mart's losses had reached SGD49.6 million, and the company announced plans to scale back its operations due to underutilization of the Orchard Point premises, increased competition, and a deteriorating supermarket performance post-Covid-19.
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