Hao Mart Sublease Dispute: Defence, Counterclaim & Lawsuit Updates

Beauty Salon Sues Hao Mart Over Abrupt Taste Orchard Closure

A beauty salon, Belovie, has filed a lawsuit against supermarket operator Hao Mart, alleging damages resulting from the premature termination of its lease at Taste Orchard. The legal action, filed in Singapore, centers around the abrupt closure of the shopping mall in September 2025, leaving numerous sub-tenants scrambling to relocate. This dispute highlights the financial risks faced by smaller businesses operating as sub-tenants, particularly when reliant on the stability of a master lease agreement. The case underscores the complexities of commercial leasing and the potential for significant losses when master leases are unexpectedly terminated.

What Belovie Claims: Renovation Costs and Lost Revenue

Belovie, which operated a beauty salon on the third floor of Taste Orchard at 160 Orchard Road, is seeking unspecified damages from Hao Mart. According to a statement of claim reviewed by CNA, the salon is claiming losses totaling approximately S$445,607.70. These losses include expenses related to renovations and the purchase of furniture and equipment specifically for the Taste Orchard location. Beyond initial setup costs, Belovie also alleges financial harm due to cancelled memberships that depended on the salon’s continued operation at the mall, as well as the costs associated with relocating to a new space at Citygate Mall on Beach Road. The salon argues that these losses stem directly from breaches of contract by Hao Mart.

Hao Mart’s Defense: Contingent Lease and Unpaid Rent

Hao Mart, represented by Vita Law’s Sean La’Brooy, is contesting Belovie’s claims. The supermarket operator argues that the sublease agreement with Belovie was always contingent upon the continuation of the master lease agreement with OG, the property owner. Hao Mart maintains that upon termination of the master lease, the sublease was also effectively terminated, and they were within their rights to request Belovie vacate the premises. Hao Mart has filed a counterclaim, alleging that Belovie withheld rent payments after being informed of the need to vacate, and is seeking S$86,100 in unpaid rent, excluding goods and services tax. They also claim damages for Belovie’s alleged failure to reinstate the unit to its original condition.

The Broader Context: Taste Orchard’s Sudden Closure

The legal battle between Belovie and Hao Mart is just one facet of a larger series of disputes stemming from the unexpected closure of Taste Orchard. In December 2025, The Straits Times reported that at least 30 sub-tenants were affected by the termination of Hao Mart’s lease, leaving many worried about receiving compensation for renovation costs and lost business. The initial move-out deadline of December 31, 2025, was extended to March 31, 2026, though the extension itself became uncertain for some tenants. The situation highlights the vulnerability of sub-tenants, who often lack direct contractual relationships with property owners and are reliant on the financial stability of the master tenant.

Hao Mart’s Legal Troubles Extend Beyond Taste Orchard

The issues surrounding Taste Orchard are not the only legal challenges facing Hao Mart. In January 2026, Business Times reported that Hao Mart and its owner are embroiled in a separate lawsuit with OG over a mortgage related to a Good Class Bungalow. This case involves allegations of an “oral agreement” regarding the sharing of costs associated with terminating sub-tenancies at Taste Orchard. OG has contested these claims. The existence of this separate legal battle adds another layer of complexity to Hao Mart’s current financial and legal situation.

What Happens Next: Court Dates and Consolidation Attempts

Belovie’s case is currently scheduled for a case conference on March 12, 2026, at the High Court. Hao Mart has attempted to consolidate this case with four other related lawsuits, arguing for a more efficient resolution of the disputes. However, Belovie has objected to the consolidation, asserting that its case is a “standalone subtenancy dispute” and that consolidation could delay its proceedings and increase legal costs. OG has also reportedly objected to the consolidation. On February 9, 2026, Hao Mart filed a notice to include OG as a third party in the suit, alleging an oral agreement where OG would share the costs of terminating the sub-tenancies. The court will need to determine whether to consolidate the cases and how to proceed with the inclusion of OG as a third party.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: Key Details of the Dispute

Confirmed: Belovie has filed a lawsuit against Hao Mart seeking damages related to the Taste Orchard closure. Hao Mart has filed a counterclaim for unpaid rent. The master lease at Taste Orchard was terminated on September 12, 2025. Belovie has relocated to Citygate Mall. Sean La’Brooy of Vita Law represents Hao Mart. Ang Boon Yaw and Wilson Yeo of Yeo Marini Law represent Belovie. Unclear: The exact amount of damages Belovie is seeking remains unspecified. The outcome of Hao Mart’s attempt to consolidate the lawsuits is currently pending. The details of the alleged “oral agreement” between Hao Mart and OG regarding the termination of sub-tenancies have not been fully disclosed. The court’s decision regarding OG’s inclusion as a third party remains to be seen. The specific terms of the original sublease agreement between Belovie and Hao Mart, beyond the broad points outlined in court filings, have not been publicly detailed.