[[Image:Ntuc Fairprice.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Toa Payoh Hub branch NTUC Fairprice Supermarket before the makeover.]]In November 1972, [[National Trades Union Congress|NTUC]] announced its new consumer co-operative named Welcome, which opened in February 1973.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 November 1972 |title=NTUC supermarket to be called WELCOME |pages=2 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19721121-1.2.17 |access-date=17 February 2023 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> On 22 July 1973, [[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime Minister]] [[Lee Kuan Yew]] opened the first supermarket at Block 192, [[Toa Payoh]] Lorong 4, and it was the first of its kind.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 July 1973 |title=Hundreds will watch the PM open NTUC supermarket |pages=7 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19730722-1.2.37 |access-date=17 February 2023}}</ref><ref>Shapudin, Naqiyah 2013 ‘Back at the first store after 35 years’, The New Paper 27 July. p.6</ref>
[[Image:Ntuc Fairprice.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Toa Payoh Hub branch NTUC Fairprice Supermarket before the makeover.]]In November 1972, [[National Trades Union Congress|NTUC]] announced its new consumer co-operative named Welcome, which opened in February 1973.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 November 1972 |title=NTUC supermarket to be called WELCOME |pages=2 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19721121-1.2.17 |access-date=17 February 2023 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref> On 22 July 1973, [[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime Minister]] [[Lee Kuan Yew]] opened the first supermarket at Block 192, [[Toa Payoh]] Lorong 4, and it was the first of its kind.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 July 1973 |title=Hundreds will watch the PM open NTUC supermarket |pages=7 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19730722-1.2.37 |access-date=17 February 2023}}</ref><ref>Shapudin, Naqiyah 2013 ‘Back at the first store after 35 years’, The New Paper 27 July. p.6</ref>
On 19 January 1982, NTUC president Peter Vincent and NTUC secretary-general Lim Chee Onn were appointed as a life [[Trustee|trustees]] of Welcome.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1982-01-20 |title=Higher sales but less profits for Welcome |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19820120-1.2.2 |access-date=2026-01-14 |work=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]] |oclc=464696647}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1982-01-20 |title=”Welcome akan terus jual barang utama dgn murah” |trans-title=”Welcome will continue to sell the essential goods at low prices” |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19820120-1.2.56 |access-date=2026-01-14 |work=[[Berita Harian (Singapore)|Berita Harian]] |pages=8 |language=ms |via=[[NewspaperSG]] |oclc=53812840}}</ref> In May 1982, NTUC announced the merger of Welcome and Singapore Employees Cooperative (SEC). Welcome owned 15 retail outlets, two department stores, and a rice-packing unit, and SEC owned 19 supermarkets, four home appliance showrooms, two self-service coffee shops, and a printing workshop.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ngoo |first=Irene |date=1982-05-16 |title=Merger of NTUC’s 3 supermarkets |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19820516-1.2.38 |access-date=2026-01-14 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=7 |via=[[NewspaperSG]] |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659}}</ref> On 31 January 1983, members from both cooperatives voted on the merger. The merger was approved, and the new cooperative was called NTUC FairPrice Cooperative [[Public limited company|Ltd]]. On 1 May 1983, FairPrice began operations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Toh |first=Su Fen |date=1983-01-10 |title=WELCOME TO FAIRPRICE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singmonitor19830110-2.2.2 |access-date=2026-01-14 |work=[[Singapore Monitor]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1983-01-11 |title=Welcome dan SEC bergabung rasmi pada Hari Buruh |trans-title=Welcome and SEC officially join forces on Labour Day |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19830111-1.2.50 |access-date=2026-01-14 |work=[[Berita Harian (Singapore)|Berita Harian]] |pages=8 |language=ms |via=[[NewspaperSG]] |oclc=53812840}}</ref> A training school was set up to train employees based on their roles and job scope. FairPrice also announced the purchase of a 1 [[megabyte]] computer and 135 [[Payment terminal|point of sale terminals]], amounting to {{SGD|2300000|link=on}}.
On 19 January 1982, NTUC president Peter Vincent and NTUC secretary-general Lim Chee Onn were appointed as a life [[Trustee|trustees]] of Welcome.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1982-01-20 |title=Higher sales but less profits for Welcome |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19820120-1.2.2 |access-date=2026-01-14 |work=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]] |oclc=464696647}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1982-01-20 |title=”Welcome akan terus jual barang utama dgn murah” |trans-title=”Welcome will continue to sell the essential goods at low prices” |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19820120-1.2.56 |access-date=2026-01-14 |work=[[Berita Harian (Singapore)|Berita Harian]] |pages=8 |language=ms |via=[[NewspaperSG]] |oclc=53812840}}</ref> In May 1982, NTUC announced the merger of Welcome and Singapore Employees Cooperative (SEC). Welcome owned 15 retail outlets, two department stores, and a rice-packing unit, and SEC owned 19 supermarkets, four home appliance showrooms, two self-service coffee shops, and a printing workshop.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ngoo |first=Irene |date=1982-05-16 |title=Merger of NTUC’s 3 supermarkets |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19820516-1.2.38 |access-date=2026-01-14 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=7 |via=[[NewspaperSG]] |issn=0585-3923 |oclc=8572659}}</ref> On 31 January 1983, members from both cooperatives voted on the merger. The merger was approved, and the new cooperative was called NTUC FairPrice Cooperative [[Public limited company|Ltd]]. On 1 May 1983, FairPrice began operations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Toh |first=Su Fen |date=1983-01-10 |title=WELCOME TO FAIRPRICE |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singmonitor19830110-2.2.2 |access-date=2026-01-14 |work=[[Singapore Monitor]] |pages=1 |via=[[NewspaperSG]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1983-01-11 |title=Welcome dan SEC bergabung rasmi pada Hari Buruh |trans-title=Welcome and SEC officially join forces on Labour Day |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19830111-1.2.50 |access-date=2026-01-14 |work=[[Berita Harian (Singapore)|Berita Harian]] |pages=8 |language=ms |via=[[NewspaperSG]] |oclc=53812840}}</ref> A training school was set up to train employees based on their roles and job scope. FairPrice also announced the purchase of a 1 [[megabyte]] computer and 135 [[Payment terminal|point of sale terminals]], amounting to {{SGD|2300000|link=on}}.
In August 2007, FairPrice opened its upmarket outlet at [[Bukit Timah Plaza]] named [[FairPrice Finest]], after five months of refurbishment.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} The move was to cater to the changing tastes of Singaporeans who are increasingly well-travelled. The {{Convert|4000|m2}}, two-storey outlet has an offering of products different from other FairPrice stores, and also features a Swiss-style [[delicatessen]], a [[wine cellar]] and a European bakery.<ref name=”Nur Dianah Suhaimi”>{{cite news | author = Nur Dianah Suhaimi | title = Fancy exotic cheeses, live oysters? Try FairPrice | newspaper = [[The Straits Times|The Sunday Times]] | date = 19 August 2007}}</ref>
In August 2007, FairPrice opened its upmarket outlet at [[Bukit Timah Plaza]] named [[FairPrice Finest]], after five months of refurbishment.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} The move was to cater to the changing tastes of Singaporeans who are increasingly well-travelled. The {{Convert|4000|m2}}, two-storey outlet has an offering of products different from other FairPrice stores, and also features a Swiss-style [[delicatessen]], a [[wine cellar]] and a European bakery.<ref name=”Nur Dianah Suhaimi”>{{cite news | author = Nur Dianah Suhaimi | title = Fancy exotic cheeses, live oysters? Try FairPrice | newspaper = [[The Straits Times|The Sunday Times]] | date = 19 August 2007}}</ref>
Supermarket chain in Singapore
NTUC FairPrice is the largest supermarket chain in Singapore.[2] The company is a co-operative of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). The group has more than 100 supermarkets across the island, with over 160 outlets of Cheers convenience stores island-wide.
NTUC FairPrice has partnered with ExxonMobil to run several stations with a FairPrice branding at the minimarts at their stations. The supermarket has the slogan “Singapore’s very own”.
History
In November 1972, NTUC announced its new consumer co-operative named Welcome, which opened in February 1973.[3] On 22 July 1973, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew opened the first supermarket at Block 192, Toa Payoh Lorong 4, and it was the first of its kind.[4][5]
On 19 January 1982, NTUC president Peter Vincent and NTUC secretary-general Lim Chee Onn were appointed as a life trustees of Welcome.[6][7] In May 1982, NTUC announced the merger of Welcome and Singapore Employees Cooperative (SEC). Welcome owned 15 retail outlets, two department stores, and a rice-packing unit, and SEC owned 19 supermarkets, four home appliance showrooms, two self-service coffee shops, and a printing workshop.[8] On 31 January 1983, members from both cooperatives voted on the merger. The merger was approved, and the new cooperative was called NTUC FairPrice Cooperative Ltd. On 1 May 1983, FairPrice began operations.[9][10] A training school was set up to train employees based on their roles and job scope. FairPrice also announced the purchase of a 1 megabyte computer and 135 point of sale terminals, amounting to S$2.3 million.[11]
In August 2007, FairPrice opened its upmarket outlet at Bukit Timah Plaza named FairPrice Finest, after five months of refurbishment.[citation needed] The move was to cater to the changing tastes of Singaporeans who are increasingly well-travelled. The 4,000 square metres (43,000 sq ft), two-storey outlet has an offering of products different from other FairPrice stores, and also features a Swiss-style delicatessen, a wine cellar and a European bakery.[12]
International operations
FairPrice has attempted to expand into other countries. Its first attempt was Malaysia in 1994, operating as a 60:40 joint venture with Hong Leong Industries Berhad under Quayline FairPrice. Its competitors were Parkson and Jaya Jusco. The first outlet was at Ampang Point, which opened on 3 January 1994.[13] Despite no longer operating in Malaysia, FairPrice had no plans to restart its operations in the country.[14]
In 2003, it entered a joint venture with DBS Private Equity, New Hope Group, Silver Tie and Taiwan‘s Apex Group, known as Nextmall.[citation needed] The venture provided merchandising, management and logistics for a fee to Nextmart which is a China incorporated hypermarket. Seven hypermarkets were opened in China, with its first in Shaoxing, Zhejiang.[15] Nextmall closed in 2005 after incurring a total of $80 million in debts and over $40 million in losses.[16]
A supermarket in Vietnam was opened in 2013 under a joint venture with Saigon Union of Trading Co-operatives, known as Co.opXtra Plus.[17] FairPrice also operated Cheers convenience stores in Vietnam as of 2018.[18]
Retail formats
- FairPrice Shop – A small heartland store chain catering to basic needs.[19][citation needed]
- FairPrice Xpress – A collaboration between ExxonMobil and Fairprice, this 24-hour convenience store chain offers similar facilities to Cheers by FairPrice and its rival 7-Eleven.[19]
- FairPrice Finest – This is a separate store offering up-market food supplies. It was officially opened in September 2007, and also it merged the former Liberty Market. Stores include Bedok Mall, Waterway Point, Century Square, Junction 8, Causeway Point and Seletar Mall.[20]
- FairPrice Xtra – A hypermarket chain which combines a normal supermarket and the FairPrice Homemart in one store. It sells items such as electronics, clothing and household merchandise in addition to the regular supermarket items, and also it merged the former FairPrice Homemart, together with former Carrefour stuffs. Stores include AMK Hub, Jurong Point, UE BizHub East, Kallang Wave, Jem and Nex.[21]
- Warehouse Club – Operating between 2014 and 2024, the Warehouse Club was modelled on American warehouse club chain Costco and access was only available through membership.[22] It offered bulk purchases with discounts.[22] The only branch closed permanently on 21 March 2024 and was replaced by a regular FairPrice store.
- Unity Pharmacy – A pharmacy chain offering pharmaceutical supplies at affordable prices. Usually located outside Fairprice supermarkets.[19][citation needed]
- Cheers – A a convenience store chain to fulfil everyday needs, which was first opened in 1998.[19]
Every year, FairPrice offers NTUC Union Members (NTUC cardholders) and FairPrice shareholders dividends, along with cash-back rebates for all purchases made at FairPrice supermarkets island-wide.[23]
Union
Employees of NTUC FairPrice are represented by the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers’ Union (FDAWU), an affiliate of the National Trades Union Congress.[24][25]
