Businesses in Singapore aim for reduced expenses and wider customer base in Johor Bahru, yet encounter obstacles
Johor Bahru: A New Destination for QB House
Wander into the less-explored corners of Aeon Tebrau Mall, and you'll stumble upon a tranquil oasis of Japanese aesthetics—QB House. Located on its first floor, this pristine salon with its sleek wooden panels and immaculate booths beneath bright lights, offers a refreshing change from the mall's usual chaos.
The salon, which recently opened its doors on May 13, quickly caught the attention of Singaporean resident Jerry Ng—an unexpected first customer.
"I usually get my haircut at a local barbershop in Singapore, but I thought I'd try something new this time," shared Ng.
Osamu Matsumoto, chief operating officer and director of QB House's parent company, QB Net Holdings, explained to our platform that Johor Bahru is QB House's first foray into the city and they aim to establish around 10 branches in the short term.
With 30 outlets already in Singapore, QB House finds itself navigating through market saturation in its home country. Seeking new horizons, the company sets its sights on Johor, attracted by its lower operational costs.
"Singapore is a bit cramped, and the competition is fierce," Matsumoto admitted.
"I'm confident about our expansion into Johor because we've been planning this for quite some time. The living conditions here are improving, and the demand for quality services is growing," Matsumoto added, hinting at the company's optimism.
Though the exact number of branches QB House plans to establish in Johor Bahru remains undisclosed, their foray into Malaysia started with the launch of their first branch at Aeon Mall Tebrau City in Johor Bahru on May 23, 2025. Excitingly, the company also has plans to expand to Kuala Lumpur with the intention of creating a nationwide network across Malaysia.
Top stories this week include QB House's expansion plans, as they aim to enter the Malaysian market with their lifestyle brand, starting with a branch in Johor Bahru. In travel news, the company is also considering opening more branches in Kuala Lumpur, with the goal of creating a nationwide network and bringing their unique Japanese aesthetics and quality services to a wider audience.
