Robinsons Online relying on S'pore core to keep DNA

S'poreans, including past staff, being hired to fill various positions for its re-opening

Robinsons Online's first two Singaporean hires are Ms Margaret Chew (left), 61, and Ms Jane Lee, 54, who have a combined experience of almost 60 years working for the retailer. They lost their jobs after Robinsons announced it was in provisional liqu
Robinsons Online's first two Singaporean hires are Ms Margaret Chew (left), 61, and Ms Jane Lee, 54, who have a combined experience of almost 60 years working for the retailer. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
"We're treating it like a start-up," said Robinsons Online's incoming managing director Jordan Prainito.
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As iconic retailer Robinsons is resurrected as an online department store and heads into a new era of e-commerce, it is drawing on the experience of former employees to maintain the DNA of its brick-and-mortar beginnings.

After being bought by Australian online retailer Canningvale earlier this year for an undisclosed amount, Robinsons Online will open its "doors" on Thursday, about five months after closing its last physical outlet in January.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 22, 2021, with the headline Robinsons Online relying on S'pore core to keep DNA. Subscribe