Watching the islandwide dismay and bewilderment over news that the iconic Robinsons will close its remaining department stores, marking a watershed moment for Singapore retail, one is reminded of a telling comment that appears in The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway's first major novel.
In that story, published in 1926, hard-drinking war veteran Mike Campbell, asked how he went bankrupt, responds: "Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly."
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you