New working space for creatives integrates retail elements

Singapore recently welcomed its first and largest independent design resource workspace MOX, which was designed with the creative communities in mind.

Located in the newly restored Katong Point, the 40,000sqf space is the brainchild of a joint venture between creative retail activator Invade, and real estate investment firm Buxani Group.

The working space provides access to optimised amenities for makers, designers, creative retailers and entrepreneurs with facilities such as 3D printers, carpentry machineries, laser cutters  and working stations equipped with design software.

Retail spaces are also formulated for minimal barriers to entry by utilising affordable pricing models by offering the gross turnover model to these concept stores along with flexible terms such as a one month’s termination notice.

Additionally, basic flooring, sliding doors and point-of-sale (POS) machines are provided. The retail spaces range from 400sqf to 1,000sqf.

Additionally, there is an option to include storefront display product sales within member agreement to provide the online-to-offline sync for e-commerce retailers.

Kent Teo, chief executive officer of Invade, said that MOX is an initiative designed for the creative entrepreneurs, designers, makers and craftsmen, and the company envisions a “home that connects like-minded individuals, networks and facilitate collaborations”. He told Retail Asia that Invade has been organising many retail touchpoints, including more than 600 flea markets, pop-up stores and lifestyle events over the past eight years. “As such, we also want to integrate retail elements over at MOX.”

He explained that MOX believes in matching creative entrepreneurs and retail startups together for collaborations, co-creation and co-making. “Hence, it is important to have retail spaces to feature them, as well as what experiential retailing is all about.”

There are currently 11 retailcentric concept stores at MOX, such as Cakerholic and Choice Cuts. Cakerholic holds regular baking workshops and sells customised cakes and pastries, while Choice Cuts offers DJ classes and sells vinyl records, apart from serving coffee.

Creative companies and creators including toy and game manufacturer Mighty Jaxx, t-shirt and lifestyle product maker Tee-Saurus, and Snupped, which makes custom handmade laptop sleeves, have also made MOX their home.

“With the consolidation of innovative minds under one roof, MOX is in the perfect position to power collaborations with the creative entrepreneurs’ community,” added Kishore Buxani, CEO, Buxani Group.

He shared that Buxani Group acquired Katong Junction in late 2012, refurbished it to create a new distinctive retail offering and re-named it Katong Point. “I realised that creating a traditional mall will not work anymore as they are becoming irrelevant with the boom of e-commerce.

“As such, I spent a lot of time trying to conceptualise the end-product, curating the right tenant mix to make it a destination mall, and initiated discussions with many groups to collaborate on the project. When I met Invade in October last year, I realised that its MOX concept was something very unique, and would fit the kind of retail I was hoping to have.”