Queensway Shopping Centre, Singapore’s long-standing hub for sports apparel and equipment since 1976, faces challenges from declining footfall and the rise of e-commerce, which has led to closures of major retailers and a perception of the mall as a “dying” destination. However, several niche sports retailers like Smashsports and Hello Sports have successfully leveraged social media platforms such as TikTok to revive business, attract both local and overseas customers, and adapt to new trends like pickleball and padel. These stores emphasize personalized services, such as custom racket stringing, which online shopping cannot replicate, helping them maintain loyal customer bases despite broader retail struggles.
Other tenants, including Weston Corporation and iRun, continue to thrive by focusing on their core expertise and capitalizing on growing interest in fitness and sports activities. While some retailers report significant drops in weekday traffic, many survive on weekend crowds and loyal patrons who prefer in-person shopping for fitting and advice. Although Queensway’s future as a bustling sports mall is uncertain, its unique niche, community support, and adaptability suggest it remains a valued destination for sports enthusiasts, even as online shopping increasingly dominates the market.
