This article is about the supermarket chain operated as a social enterprise of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). For the trade union itself, see National Trades Union Congress.
NTUC FairPrice is the largest supermarket chain in Singapore.[2] The company is a co-operative of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). The group has more than 100 supermarkets across the island, with over 160 outlets of Cheers convenience stores island-wide.
NTUC FairPrice has partnered with ExxonMobil to run several stations with a FairPrice branding at the minimarts at their stations. The supermarket has the slogan "Singapore's very own".
History
The Toa Payoh Hub branch NTUC Fairprice Supermarket before the makeover.
In November 1972, NTUC announced its new consumer co-operative named Welcome, which opened in February 1973.[3] On 22 July 1973, Prime MinisterLee Kuan Yew opened the first supermarket at Block 192, Toa Payoh Lorong 4, and it was the first of its kind.[4][5]
On 19 January 1982, NTUC president Peter Vincent and NTUC secretary-general Lim Chee Onn were appointed as a life trustees of Welcome.[6][7] In May 1982, NTUC announced the merger of Welcome and Singapore Employees Cooperative (SEC). Welcome owned 15 retail outlets, two department stores, and a rice-packing unit, and SEC owned 19 supermarkets, four home appliance showrooms, two self-service coffee shops, and a printing workshop.[8] On 31 January 1983, members from both cooperatives voted on the merger. The merger was approved, and the new cooperative was called NTUC FairPrice Cooperative Ltd. On 1 May 1983, FairPrice began operations.[9][10] A training school was set up to train employees based on their roles and job scope. FairPrice also announced the purchase of a 1 megabyte computer and 135 point of sale terminals, amounting to S$2.3million.[11][12]
In August 2007, FairPrice opened its upmarket outlet at Bukit Timah Plaza named FairPrice Finest, after five months of refurbishment.[citation needed] The move was to cater to the changing tastes of Singaporeans who are increasingly well-travelled. The 4,000 square metres (43,000sqft), two-storey outlet has an offering of products different from other FairPrice stores, and also features a Swiss-style delicatessen, a wine cellar and a European bakery.[13]
International operations
FairPrice has attempted to expand into other countries. Its first attempt was Malaysia in 1994, operating as a 60:40 joint venture with Hong Leong Industries Berhad under Quayline FairPrice. Its competitors were Parkson and Jaya Jusco. The first outlet was at Ampang Point, which opened on 3 January 1994.[14] Despite no longer operating in Malaysia, FairPrice had no plans to restart its operations in the country.[15]
In 2003, it entered a joint venture with DBS Private Equity, New Hope Group, Silver Tie and Taiwan's Apex Group, known as Nextmall.[citation needed] The venture provided merchandising, management and logistics for a fee to Nextmart which is a China incorporated hypermarket. Seven hypermarkets were opened in China, with its first in Shaoxing, Zhejiang.[16] Nextmall closed in 2005 after incurring a total of $80 million in debts and over $40 million in losses.[17]
FairPrice Shop– A small heartland store chain catering to basic needs.[20][citation needed]
FairPrice Xpress– A collaboration between ExxonMobil and Fairprice, this 24-hour convenience store chain offers similar facilities to Cheers by FairPrice and its rival 7-Eleven.[20]
FairPrice Xtra– A hypermarket chain which combines a normal supermarket and the FairPrice Homemart in one store. It sells items such as electronics, clothing and household merchandise in addition to the regular supermarket items, and also it merged the former FairPrice Homemart, together with former Carrefour stuffs. Stores include AMK Hub, Jurong Point, UE BizHub East, Kallang Wave, Jem and Nex.[22]
Warehouse Club– Operating between 2014 and 2024, the Warehouse Club was modelled on American warehouse club chain Costco and access was only available through membership.[23] It offered bulk purchases with discounts.[23] The only branch closed permanently on 21 March 2024 and was replaced by a regular FairPrice store.
Unity Pharmacy - A pharmacy chain offering pharmaceutical supplies at affordable prices. Usually located outside Fairprice supermarkets.[20][citation needed]
Cheers - A a convenience store chain to fulfil everyday needs, which was first opened in 1998.[20]
Every year, FairPrice offers NTUC Union Members (NTUC cardholders) and FairPrice shareholders dividends, along with cash-back rebates for all purchases made at FairPrice supermarkets island-wide.[24]
Union
Employees of NTUC FairPrice are represented by the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers' Union (FDAWU), an affiliate of the National Trades Union Congress.[25][26]
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