Toshiba leaving Singapore's TV|and appliances market this month
TOSHIBA will withdraw from the television and appliances market in Singapore at the end of this month because of strong competition.
Shin Min Daily News, a Chinese-language evening newspaper in the city-state, reported on Thursday that Toshiba Singapore had recently sent a notice to its retailers announcing that some products would be withdrawn from the local market.
Reporters from the daily checked with several retailers and understood that they had received the notice via e-mails and letters a few weeks ago.
Toshiba said that because of a highly competitive environment in Singapore, they had to make an “extremely difficult” decision to withdraw from the local television and appliance market.
In a statement, Toshiba said after-sales customer service would continue until further notice.
Small retailers have expressed concerns over Toshiba’s exit.
A shop owner said about half of her electrical products were from Toshiba and several of her regular customers were fans of the Japanese brand.
She also said small retailers were not doing well currently and Toshiba’s withdrawal would add to the problem.
One industry insider said that regardless of technical specifications, South Korean products are slightly better in comparison.
Shin Min reported that a Toshiba spokesman was unable to provide further information about the withdrawal.
