This article is about the supermarket chain operated as a social enterprise of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). For the trade union itself, see National Trades Union Congress.
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 MinisterLee Kuan Yew opened the first supermarket at Block 192, Toa Payoh Lorong 4, and it was the first of its kind.[4][5]
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.[6]
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.[7] Despite no longer operating in Malaysia, FairPrice had no plans to restart its operations in the country.[8]
Cheers by FairPrice – This 24-hour convenience store chain run by NTUC FairPrice was introduced in 1999. It offers similar facilities to rival 7-Eleven.
FairPrice Shop – A small heartland store chain catering to basic needs.[13][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.[13]
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.[16] It offered bulk purchases with discounts.[16] 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.[13][citation needed]
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.[17]