OUE Limited takes new approach to retail

Singapore’s Downtown Gallery has introduced three retail concepts that prioritise shopper experiences, pioneered by retail property developer OUE Limited.

OUE Social Kitchen offers Singapore’s first communal cooking kitchen in a retail space; OUE Re:Store is an automated deli service that serves heritage food using an efficient order and pick-up system; and OUE Beauty Bar features a beauty dispensing machine.

OUE Social Kitchen has more than 10 kitchen spaces styled by appliance brand Smeg. Users have access to an in-house chef and helpers, with cooking tips being provided on request.  Communal dining is encouraged, so the dining area can be used free for hosted meals or to interact with other users. Customers can book a space using the OUE Downtown Gallery’s smartphone app.

OUE Re:Store allows customers to use the app to place a food order along with a preferred pick-up time. This enables CBD diners to skip lunch-hour queues. The menu was designed by chefs KF Seetoh, Malcolm Lee, Sau del Rosario and William Wongso, and offers Filipino, Indonesian, Peranakan and Singaporean dishes. Free of preservatives, the meals are packed in a four-section bento box.

Opening this month, OUE Beauty Bar uses interactive technology and features four beauty vending machines along with a standalone virtual assistant display. Each vending machine has a touchscreen display enabling shoppers to browse, explore and choose from more than 140 skin and makeup staples. These self-service kiosks offer skincare and cosmetics from global brands including Clarins, Nars and Shiseido. Product information, videos and samples are also available.

“We have created a version of what we imagine retail experiences will look like in future,” says OUE senior VP for retail, marketing and leasing Patrina Tan. “We will continue to invest in creating new connection points and culling real-time feedback so we can introduce better customer experiences.”