Image Credit: Yahoo! Japan
Ito-Yokado, a prominent General Merchandise Store (GMS) chain, has announced the closure of 33 locations by February 2025, including its historic Tsudanuma store in Chiba Prefecture. This decision follows the earlier closure of 17 stores and the separation of the supermarket division from parent company Seven & I Holdings.
The closure of the Tsudanuma store, which will cease operations in September, has elicited strong reactions from the local community. The store, directly connected to Shin-Tsudanuma Station, is described as a nostalgic symbol of the city’s transformation over the past two decades. A local resident expressed disbelief that the Tsudanuma store’s name would now bear the word “closed,” highlighting its significance as a major retail destination.
Inside the store, a “Memories of the Tsudanuma Store” exhibit has been set up, featuring old photographs, historical documents, and a timeline of Tsudanuma’s development. Despite ongoing clearance sales and a flood of messages from loyal customers, the store’s atmosphere is somber, particularly on the now mostly empty top floor.
The Tsudanuma store, established in 1977, was once a retail powerhouse in a fiercely competitive area known as the “Tsudanuma War,” competing against other large commercial facilities. Its prominence was notable during its heyday, attracting significant foot traffic, including hosting concerts by Seiko Matsuda.
However, the opening of LaLaport TOKYO-BAY in 2001, a massive shopping mall just a short distance away, shifted the retail landscape. This development drew a substantial number of shoppers, leading to the emergence of the waterfront area as a major retail hub.
The closure of the Tsudanuma store marks the end of a significant chapter for Ito-Yokado, reflecting broader shifts in retail dynamics and consumer preferences.