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Premium Japanese grocery store chain, MEIDI-YA, recently unveiled its largest 2-storey flagship store at Millenia Walk. The newest outlet at Millenia Walk will be its biggest in Singapore at 24,000 square feet, and the two levels will be interconnected by a travellator for added convenience for its shoppers. Located on Level 1 are the bakery and food hall, while the Japanese-style supermarket is on Level 2. There is also a wine & liquor store on Level 1 located just opposite the duplex store that boasts an impressive selection of over 370 varieties of sake.
We spoke to Mr Nagoshi Shuji, Managing Director of MEIDI-YA Singapore to learn more about this expansion and more.
TVM: Any specific reason for choosing Singapore for MEIDI-YA’s biggest store?
Mr Shuji: In the 1980s, MEIDI-YA was in the ship supply business and Singapore was one of its most important key port, for both its shipping business, as well as its food wholesale and import/export business. Daimaru was one of MEIDI-YA’s customers and when they decided to exit Singapore in 2003, MEIDI-YA took over its space at Liang Court to continue serving the Japanese community and shoppers who loved buying quality Japanese products.
TVM: Tell us more about the Japanese style supermarket. What items would be available and what should the patrons be most excited about?
Mr Shuji: Fans of high-quality, authentic Japanese products can expect authentic Japanese food in its international supermarket, bakery, and food hall. This includes fresh Japanese fruits, vegetables, and meat, that is air flown directly from Japan thrice a week and shipped by sea once a week.
At MEIDI-YA Millenia Walk, shoppers can look forward to five interesting highlights which include the Japanese Concept Café & Bar, Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza, Gokoku Japanese Bakery, a Food Hall, and an International Supermarket.
TVM: Tell us more about the F&B range – what are the key highlights?
Mr Shuji: There will be an 88-seater Japanese Concept Café and Bar which will be the first in MEIDI-YA Singapore. Diners can grab an organic free trade coffee at its café terrace, or unwind with ice cold beer or sake at its alfresco beer garden.
The Gokoku Japanese Bakery at Millenia Walk is the first Gokoku outlet in MEIDI-YA Singapore which features a dine-in café experience and an exclusive sandwich selection made using the bakery’s signature breads and buns.
Diners can also look forward to a wide selection of delicatessen, Japanese curry, and a Nakajima sushi counter – where fresh fish is directly imported by Nakajima Suisan, the largest fish supplier in Japan.
TVM: What safety and hygiene measures are being taken to ensure the well-being of staff and patrons given the COVID crisis.
Mr Shuji: Shoppers will need to scan the Safe Entry and have their temperatures taken before entering the store. Besides that, our staff also wear masks and have their temperature checked daily to ensure that they are fit for work.
TVM: Are there any special opening promotions?
Mr Shuji: As part of its Grand Opening, customers can look forward to opening promotions, as well as special gifts with purchase, including a Limited Edition MEIDI-YA Thermal Shopping Bag with minimum $200* spent at MEIDI-YA, and a tote bag with a minimum spend of $20* at Gokoku Japanese Bakery in Millenia Walk.
TVM: Are you planning special sales, promotions or events for the upcoming holidays?
Mr Shuji: We have a wide range of Christmas product offerings such as log cakes and hams. As the New Year is the most important festival in Japan, we will also have a fair towards the year-end in preparation for the New Year.
The MEIDI-YA Flagship Store is located at Millenia Walk (9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-65, #01-51 to 56 #02-26 to 36) and is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
