i12 Katong, a retail mall under Keppel Land, has updated its brand positioning, latest mall features, as well as a curated mix of new and returning retail tenants that will form an all-encompassing exciting lifestyle experience that shoppers can look forward to. The 210,000-square foot mall in the Eastern region of Singapore closed its doors in early 2020 for major asset enhancement works to transform i12 Katong into a future-ready retail hub that will shape the increasingly “phygital” connected world. The mall is set to reopen in Q4 2021.

Situated within the heart of Katong, i12 Katong had serviced the surrounding community with its specialty stores, entertainment and dining outlets, supermarkets, recreation facilities and services over the years. The refreshed i12 Katong, which fronts the intersection of East Coast Road and Joo Chiat Road, will offer bespoke experiences and services for shoppers who desire a seamless and personalised retail experience, as well as inspire personal connections with the Katong way of life. As part of the refreshed concept, i12 Katong will see the addition of dynamic new retail tenants, a modernised interior and upgraded amenities.

Offering more than just retail, the refreshed i12 Katong will provide visitors with a social platform for discovery and connection while they explore the mall’s newly revamped spaces. The mall will have an environment that imbues a sense of familiarity, relaxation and moments of delight across six levels of holistic experiential offerings. Beyond conventional shopping, i12 Katong aims to serve as the hub for the local community—from spending quality time with family over a meal, having valuable ‘me time’ within the holistic wellness spaces, to simply offering rest stops for those exploring the eclectic Katong neighbourhood with friends.

Keith Low, Head of Retail, Keppel Land, said, “Against the backdrop of the evolving retail landscape, we took a consumer-centric approach in the design of i12 Katong and are excited to be introducing new multi-experiential retail concepts which will offer bespoke experiences as well as promote vibrancy and community engagement. At the same time, as we, we are further collaborating with our tenants to develop more innovative and personalised approaches to engage customers and curate memorable moments. We are confident that the reimagined i12 Katong will capture the charm and character of the area and vibrant neighbourhood.”

Enhancement works to the mall include the expansion and relocation of the main atrium from level 2 to level 1, upgrading of public areas and amenities such as the addition of escalators and lifts, charging stations for electronic devices, as well as enhancement of the glass façade.

In addition to the upgraded spaces, the renovated interior of i12 Katong will include features to support the reinvention of retail concepts and offer solutions to address challenges faced in the traditional retail space such as those brought on by digital disruptions, the growing trend of personalisation and multi-channel marketing. For example, digital technology such as LED screens will provide enriching storytelling and creative content targeted at families. In addition, energy efficient designs, technologies and environmentally sustainable management systems, such as electric vehicle charging points at the carpark, will be incorporated at i12 Katong, where feasible.

The mall will also introduce three new specially curated zones and platforms for social engagement to foster a sense of community. These zones include Fashion Lifestyle, Home and Living, as well as Family Entertainment.

Presently, i12 Katong is approximately 50 per cent pre-leased, attesting to the attractiveness and resilience of the mall’s new brand positioning and features amid market uncertainties. Anchor tenants, such as CS Fresh, Golden Village, United World Preschool and Wine Connection were previously in i12 Katong and will be returning, together with a contemporary mix of new tenants such as Climb Asia, Guzman Y Gomez, Kindermusik With Love Studios, Malaysia Boleh, PS Café, Signature KOI, We are Sultans and Scoop Wholefoods.

Besides the technology introduced to enhance the overall shopper experience, the new retail concept of i12 Katong will also enhance mall circulation. This includes the optimisation of floor layout and atrium space, offering tenants a range of shop spaces of different sizes and configurations to best present their offerings. Coupled with enhanced shop fronts, the new retail concept of i12 Katong aims to provide shoppers with an inviting space to shop, dine and gather.

In addition to the mall’s enhancement works, i12 Katong will debut a new logo which is constructed using a set of four parallel lines. These lines represent the personal connections that i12 Katong aspires to build among people through its services, amenities, community and the Katong way of life. The lines draw focus to its brand name, i12, and communicate a stronger visual connection to its location, Katong, while adding importance on provenance. The new logo also reflects changes to the letter ‘I’ from uppercase to lowercase “i”, providing better brand clarity and recognition of the mall’s official name.