Swedish fashion retailer H&M has laid off staff in Singapore as the company relocates its South-east Asian headquarters from the city-state to Kuala Lumpur, The Straits Times reports.
According to regional media reports, around 80 positions in Singapore were affected as part of the restructuring. The cuts reportedly make up the majority of the regional workforce reductions.
H&M confirmed organisational changes but did not specify how many employees or roles were impacted.
The company said it is continuously reviewing its operations to remain “flexible, efficient and fast-moving”, while adding that Singapore remains an important market and that it will continue to maintain an office and retail presence there.
H&M entered the Singapore market in 2011, but has closed several stores in recent years, including outlets at Ion Orchard, Tampines Mall and Waterway Point.
The retailer currently operates six stores in Singapore.
Singapore’s labour movement has also stepped in, with the Singapore Manual and Mercantile Workers’ Union offering support to affected workers during the transition.
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