NC Picks Saipan closes

03/19/25 - A little over a year after opening, the first NC Picks outside of Asia has closed.

Philip Choi, Kensington Hotel Saipan Strategic & Planning officer, confirmed that the warehouse-type discount store located in Garapan closed last March 9.

“We are currently developing our business plan and this is one of steps for something new,” he said in a social media message to Marianas Press.

As for NC Picks staff, Choi said they prioritized supporting employees throughout the transition and did their best to provide opportunities for them to continue working within E-Land Group. “Employees were given the chance to apply for positions at Kensington Hotel, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, and Coral Ocean Resort and several have successfully transitioned and are now actively contributing.”

Regarding merchandise, he said NC Picks conducted a phased clearance sale starting last February, which ensured that most of its inventory was gradually sold and as a result, very little stock remains at this point.

Choi said despite NC Picks closing, E-Land’s focus remains on strengthening and enhancing the operations of Kensington Hotel Saipan, PIC Saipan, Coral Ocean Resort, and Ohas Café & Boulangerie.

“We recognize our responsibility to the local community and are committed to contributing positively through strong business operations and high-quality service.”

Last week, Kensington Hotel Saipan staff were seen hauling out the potted plants outside the shuttered store along Beach Road in front of T Galleria, which is also closing at the end of April this year.

A posting on social media also alluded to the first floor of the Kase Building in Garapan, where NC Picks is located, now being open for lease.

A check with the Department of Commerce, however, didn’t confirm that NC Picks has closed as its business license is still valid until Jan. 30, 2026.

The closing of NC Picks, like other local businesses shuttering their doors, brought sadness to the community of Saipan.

“It’s really unfortunate to see another business go down. I think that any business that closes down for economic reasons is sad and frustrating. Behind the names and brand of these businesses are people—good, hardworking people who are losing their jobs and their ability to take care of their families. We need true economic relief now, but more importantly, we need a better policy framework to achieve a more sustainable economic future for the CNMI,” said Kevin Bautista, who is executive director to Northern Marianas College president Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero.

Local 5335 NMI Professional Firefighters Union vice president Edward Dela Cruz Jr., meanwhile, said he wasn’t at all surprised that NC Picks folded so soon after opening. 

“There are no new airlines. Flights are decreasing. I work at [the Commonwealth Ports Authority]. I don’t hear any whispers of increased flights. I hear whispers of flights dialing down. So no, I’m not surprised if all the business on Saipan shut down at this point. Garapan is a good example with the daily foot traffic that walks around that place.”

Ultra marathoner Ann Bang also shared Dela Cruz’s opinion.

“Honestly, I knew this result when the store opened. Actually, people didn't expect the store to last long. I bought shirts and singlets for my family, but the price is high. So, I went to Athlete’s Foot in Garapan or went online shopping. It doesn't fit the economic situation on Saipan. I bought some stuff, maybe twice, but after that, I didn't go there. Duty Free will also be closed soon. Business is getting worse.”

Marianas High School student Keliv Lumbana said he will miss NC Picks. “NC Picks had great products and it felt like a place that would bring in many people, so it’s sad to hear about its closing. Bought twice from them—a dry-fit Under Armor shirt and Nike shorts.”

Ditto for Mt. Carmel School student Anthony Rivera who said he was disappointed that NC Picks closed since he really liked its clothing designs and the prices were budget friendly. Rivera said he bought some shorts and shirts there.

NC Picks, which stands for New Core, is part of E-Land Retail, which has 44 stores in Korea and three stores in China. It generates a total revenue of over $1.5 billion, making it a large-scale retail specialized company.

E-Land Group unveiled NC Picks Saipan with a lot of hoopla in December 2023 to offer local customers as well as tourists access to fashion items at a reasonable price. 

NC Picks Saipan primarily focused on sports and casual clothing, handling over 30 brands raging from bags, shoes, to suitcases. Just some of the items available at great discounts at NC Picks Saipan are sports brands including Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, Crocs, casual brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Champion, and Brooks Brothers, and European brands such as Maison Kitsune, Comme des Garcons, and Ami.

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Story by Mark Rabago