By Sharon Poh 

After a seven-month hiatus, residents of Hougang can rejoice at the return of their favourite neighbourhood bookstore. Following an extensive mall asset enhancement initiative by Hougang Mall in January this year, POPULAR has returned to Hougang Mall with a refreshed and modernised look this September, staying true to the brand’s commitment to being an educational hub and an accessible retail destination for everyone. 

This highly anticipated return marks a significant milestone in POPULAR's suburban retail strategy, reinforcing the heritage brand's steadfast commitment to maintaining its network of 26 stores across Singapore and serving local families amidst an evolving retail landscape.

A Grand Homecoming and Official Reopening

To commemorate the homecoming, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on 4 September (Friday), followed by a traditional lion dance performance. The event was officiated by Ms Emily Yiu, Chief Executive Officer of POPULAR Singapore; Ms Pang Chai Sien, General Manager of Retail at POPULAR Singapore; and Ms Joey Ong, General Manager of Hougang Mall.

“The reopening of Hougang store marks POPULAR’s commitment to the community, driven by the overwhelming feedback from residents calling for our return," said Emily. "Even as the retail landscape evolves, our commitment to Singapore’s heartlands remains unchanged. This store reflects our continued investment in our customers, offering the extensive and trusted product range they know and reply on. We are also deeply grateful to the partners and vendors who have supported throughout our 100-year journey to becoming Singapore’s trusted educational hub.”

Grand Opening Weekend and Exclusive Opening Promotions 

The grand opening weekend was filled with excitement for families, featuring exclusive Zhong Bao Bao (众宝宝) meet-and-greet sessions, hands-on DIY charm-making workshops, and complimentary popcorn treats for shoppers. The new space combines the warmth and familiarity of a beloved neighbourhood bookstore with a modern, enhanced shopping experience, inviting shoppers to take a walk down memory lane and rediscover the joy of retail shopping.

Shoppers who were unable to join us for the opening weekend can continue to enjoy the exclusive promotions that run till 13 September, just ahead of the start of Academic Term 4. This is the perfect opportunity for families with school-going children to replenish their books, stationery, learning resources, and other back-to-school essentials with great savings. 

Opening Special Deals (now till 13 September)

• 15% off storewide on regular-priced items
• Up to 70% off selected products
• Sure-win Gachapon with exciting prizes to be won

Evolving with Singapore’s Heartland Communities

The new POPULAR Hougang Mall store represents a bold step forward as the brand continues to evolve alongside its customers. By blending modern retail design with educational resources and everyday essentials, POPULAR reaffirms its dedication to supporting lifelong learning within the community. Customers can look forward to a trusted bookstore brand that remains relevant and committed to their evolving needs, delivering a world-class shopping experience through thoughtfully curated and contemporary retail spaces.