Fashion chain M)phosis shutters stores

Singapore-founded fashion retailer M)phosis is reportedly closing all its Southeast Asian stores due to financial challenges.

The Straits Times has reported the chain is in the process of closing remaining stores in Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia – more than 10 in all. Its last Singapore store, in VivoCity, ceased trading at the end of August. Only its China stores will continue to operate.

The company has not updated its Facebook page since August, but some disappointed fans of the brand have posted messages on the page, ranging from sadness at the retailer’s apparent demise to anger over being left with vouchers which can no longer be redeemed or cashed in.

Director Hensley Teh confirmed to the Straits Times the brand remains in the China marketplace.

“We were having a severe cash flow situation. We were not able to continue, despite wanting to. We did everything we could. We thank our customers, who have supported us all these years.”

M)phosis made its debut in 1994, targeting women aged 18 to 35. At one stage it operated in Australia, Hong Kong, Dubai and Japan and had a network of 30 stores, but it has since retrenched from those markets.