Meet the founder of Qisahn, the iconic game shop in Far East Shopping Centre: ‘We’ll be the last store around’

Yet, when asked about his interactions with regulars, Soon drew a blank.

“Wow, this is difficult. I should have a story for your soundbite but nothing comes to mind. I don’t see customers often enough. My whole focus has been on preventing problems,” he confessed.

So when walk-in customers reminisce about Qisahn’s first set-up in Woodlands, Soon would respond sheepishly as he hardly recognises them.

“You see, this is where I’m really lacking. I spend so much time trying to streamline our operations and I don’t spend enough time thinking about how we can appreciate our regulars.”

If and when the en bloc sale goes through, what’s next for Qisahn? According to Soon, he has not made concrete plans but will keep his fingers crossed for another winning combination of a prime location and low foot traffic.

“We’re definitely reluctant to leave, but it’s not really a choice so we’ll cross the bridge when we get there. For sure, our business will always be focused on low prices and accessibility.”

Addressing the future of video game retail, Soon referenced the collapse of the music retail industry over a decade ago. In just two years, all the players were wiped out. Could Qisahn meet a similar fate? He doesn’t rule out the possibility, but has no intention of bowing out till then.

“We’ll be the last store around. I’m very sure.”