2025 is going to be an exciting year for atomi

This isn't just a bold prediction; I'm determined to make it a reality. Physical retail in Japan is poised to make a remarkable comeback as we focus on the future of atomi and navigate the ever-changing retail landscape. Understanding the fickle nature of consumers is crucial, and it's more important than ever for us to stay closely connected with those who are returning to in-person shopping. The biggest news is that atomi is going to launch our physical presence in Japan.

Today, retailers must actively engage with the new generation that demands a brand truly committed to environmental consciousness. The choices we make in furniture, accessories, and brands must reflect their beliefs and represent a vision worth supporting. Our brands must resonate with new, existing, and potential customers alike. Too many of us have merely paid lip service to sustainability, but we are at a critical turning point. Young people are awakening to the reality that their actions can drive change, and they are acutely aware that climate change will directly impact their lives. Yes, embracing sustainability will come at a cost, but there is no alternative. We have just one planet Earth, and it's imperative that we all take responsibility for protecting it.

Throughout 2024, the world has been engulfed in wars, political conflicts, and significant upheavals that have dominated the news cycle. The ripple effects of this turmoil have seeped into the global economies, resulting in a wave of challenges that many businesses have struggled to navigate. Consequently, we've witnessed an alarming number of brands shutting their doors alongside widespread layoffs and workforce reductions. This year has unfolded as an extraordinarily harsh period, perhaps even more severe than the isolation and hardships endured during the pandemic lockdowns. Amid such profound instability and chaos wrought by human actions, indulging in retail therapy has become a distant thought for many, as the weight of these disasters weighs heavily on everyone's buying behaviours and patterns.

As a bootstrap entrepreneur who started from the ground up without any outside support, I proudly call myself an eternal optimist, ready to tackle any challenges that come my way. Unlike many entrepreneurs who may lack sentimentality, I take a different path. As a romantic business owner, I place high value on relationships, experiences, and emotions. This is why I have operated from the same location at the Mandarin Gallery on Orchard Road for over 15 years. For brand owners, it’s important to keep things fresh by regularly updating our look and feel. However, as a conscious environmentalist and a devoted romantic, I believe in cherishing love and nurturing our foundations to maintain that romance. While some may chase after fast fashion and constant novelty, I think we must prioritise authenticity, whether it’s sustainability or heritage at risk. Building a brand doesn't happen overnight; there are no shortcuts. Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, good brands take time to develop. Many brands fade away before we even realise they are gone.

The future of atomi lies in the seamless integration of physical stores and online experiences. We are excited to announce our plans to open a physical location in Japan in 2025, where shopping at atomi will be transformed into an extraordinary and luxurious experience for customers looking to embark on a new retail adventure in Singapore and Japan. This vision is detailed in the closing chapters of our book, "The Atomi Way," published in 2023, as we gear up to turn our aspirations into reality in 2025. To achieve this, we must make significant adjustments to our business model, adopting a mindset that prioritises scaling our operations internationally. After being sidelined during the pandemic, it’s time to get back on the path to growth outside of Singapore.