Retail is evolving faster than ever. As consumer expectations shift alongside advances in artificial intelligence, digital commerce and changing lifestyles, the question is no longer whether physical retail has a future, but what that future should look like.

Against this backdrop, Frasers Property Singapore welcomed more than 300 retail partners and industry leaders to the fourth edition of Retail Spark!, our annual platform for recognising retail excellence, strengthening partnerships and exploring the future of retail together.

Held at Shangri-La Singapore on 29 July, this year’s event centred on the theme “Retail Forward: Experience Driven, Future Ready”, bringing together diverse perspectives on how malls can remain relevant as places where people choose to gather, connect and spend meaningful time.

Reimagining the role of malls

Setting the tone for the event, Mr Adrian Tan, Managing Director, Retail, Frasers Property Singapore, welcomed guests with hand-crocheted sunflowers made by members of the Lions Befrienders’ Forever Yarn Crochet Community, reflecting our belief that meaningful partnerships begin with people.

In his opening address, Adrian shared Frasers Property Singapore’s vision of malls as “second places” — destinations that go beyond shopping to become spaces where people can work, connect, recharge and discover new experiences.

In an increasingly digitised world where people can buy anything from the convenience of their mobile devices, creating reasons for people to visit physical spaces has become just as important as the retail offerings themselves. The future of retail lies not only in transactions, but in creating places where communities genuinely want to spend time. His answer centred on a simple but important idea. The future of retail is not only about transactions, but about creating places where people genuinely want to spend time.

This vision provided the foundation for conversations throughout the day, as speakers and retail partners explored how customer experience, placemaking and innovation can shape the next chapter of physical retail.

Celebrating our retailers who shape everyday experiences

Retail Spark! also recognised the retailers and frontline teams whose commitment to service continues to raise the bar in creating memorable experiences across our malls.

This year’s FRx Partner of the Year awards honoured Adidas, Riverside Canton Claypot Cuisine, Scarlett Supermarket/Choice, The Wallet Shop and Venus Beauty, for their strong partnership and commitment to delivering better shopper experiences.

The Best Store Award recognised outstanding retailers across three categories. Cold Storage, Courts and FairPrice were recognised in the Anchor Store category, while Haidilao, Saizeriya and Sushiro received awards in the Food & Beverage category. Love, Bonito, OWNDAYS and Watsons were recognised in the Specialty category.

Outstanding Customer Service Awards were also presented to exemplary frontline employees from Dian Xiao Er, Din Tai Fung, Don Don Donki, Harvey Norman, Ichiban Boshi, Metro, Popular, Skechers, Starbucks and UNIQLO for going the extra mile to deliver exceptional service.

Together, these awards celebrate the people and partnerships that help make our malls welcoming, memorable and trusted destinations for the communities we serve.

Frasers Property Singapore formalising two separate Memoranda of Understanding with FairPrice Group and Shell at Retail Spark! 2026. The partnerships will connect FRx with Link Rewards and Shell GO+, creating greater value and convenience for shoppers across everyday retail and mobility touchpoints.

The partnership with FairPrice Group will connect FRx with Link Rewards, enabling members to earn and redeem rewards across a wider network of retail, grocery, dining and everyday essentials. Meanwhile, our collaboration with Shell will similarly integrate FRx with Shell GO+, while supporting the rollout of Shell Recharge electric vehicle charging points at selected Frasers Property Singapore malls.

Together, these partnerships connect more than four million members across FRx, Link Rewards and Shell GO+, creating greater convenience for shoppers.

Bridging the customer experience in the digital age

One of the event’s highlights was a riveting panel discussion on “Reinventing Retail: Customer Experience, Rewards Programme & the Future of Physical Commerce”.

Industry leaders from FairPrice Group, Decathlon Singapore and CHAGEE Singapore shared how customer insights, data and technology are helping retailers personalise experiences, reduce friction and improve operational efficiency.

While each organisation approached innovation differently, a common theme emerged: technology should enhance human experiences rather than replace them. Whether through machine learning, data analytics or digital tools, innovation delivers the greatest value when it remains firmly centred on customers.

Future ready, people first

The importance of human connection remained a central theme during a fireside conversation between Mr Richard Ng, Chief Executive Officer of the Manager of Frasers Centrepoint Trust and Ms Fiona Yung, Director, Global Talent Management & Culture, Frasers Property Limited.

Reflecting on the future of retail, Richard shared that while artificial intelligence and digitalisation will continue to transform malls, people will always seek meaningful human interaction.