Metro Singapore's history: From Hollywood-inspired name to Orchard Road heyday and final closures

After seven decades of operation, Singaporean retail giant Metro is set to close its final two department stores, located in the Paragon and Causeway Point malls. This significant closure marks the end of an era for the company and signals a strategic shift away from its traditional large-format retail model.

Metro's journey began in 1957 when its founder, Indonesian entrepreneur Ong Tjoe Kim, opened the first store in Singapore at 72 High Street. Initially a modest textile shop, it was named Metro, inspired by the Hollywood production house Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), a name chosen for its recognizability and association with popular entertainment. The store quickly became a hub for imported fashion and fabrics throughout the 1960s, catering to wealthy housewives from Singapore and Indonesia.

The company expanded over the years, opening Metrotex in Liat Towers along Orchard Road in 1965, later renamed Metro Orchard. Metro Supreme followed in 1971 at Supreme House, also in the bustling Orchard Road shopping belt. These expansions solidified Metro's presence in Singapore's burgeoning retail scene, with notable openings often graced by celebrities, reflecting the brand's aspiration and connection to popular culture.

The decision to close the remaining stores comes as part of a broader retail overhaul. While the specifics of Metro's future strategy remain to be detailed, the move away from large physical stores suggests a pivot towards potentially different retail formats or an increased focus on online presence. The closure represents a significant moment in Singapore's retail history, reflecting broader trends impacting traditional department stores globally.

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people loved the movies, and they were familiar with MGM, which made good movies