Under the terms of this deal, GKE Retails operates the outlets and helps Singtel sell mobile phones, other services such as broadband and TV, and accessories such as earpieces and phone covers. GKE Retails buys the stock from Singtel and enjoys a cut when customers sign up or renew their subscription plans at the retail shops.
Neo Cheow Hui, CEO of GKE Corporation (SGX:595
) , jokes that he is becoming more popular among his friends. His logistics and building materials company recently expanded into a new business selling mobile phones, and Neo says he has been receiving calls from friends who want to upgrade their phones.
For most consumers, GKE’s move into this new business of retailing will not be too apparent. Its new joint venture, GKE Retails, has been appointed by Singtel as one of its so-called exclusive retailers of mobile phones, pay TV and broadband services. The nine outlets to be operated under GKE Retails will all sport the Singtel branding, as required by the telco for its island-wide retail outlets. The outlets are mainly in busy suburban malls such as One Raffles Place, Sun Plaza, Paya Lebar Square, Changi City Point, Nex, Hougang and City Square.
