The Tokyu Department Store, which has been open for more than 30 years in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, closed on the night of the 31st of last month due to a drop in sales due to the effects of the new coronavirus.
Withdrawal of Japanese department stores is occurring one after another in Bangkok.
MBK Center store of Tokyu Department Store in the center of Bangkok opened in 1985 and has been operating as a long-established department store mainly for foreign tourists and locals.
However,
in addition to the fact that local-owned commercial facilities opened one after another in the neighborhood and competition became fierce,
▽ from last year, the number of foreign tourists visiting the store has decreased significantly due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection. Sales fell due to such factors, and the company decided to close the store because it could not be expected to recover in the future.
The event was held on the 31st of last month, the last business day, and after employees saw off the last shopper, they closed the shutter and closed for more than 30 years.
A 45-year-old Thai woman said, "I've been shopping since I was a student, so it's very sad to close the store. I feel that the competition in department stores is intensifying as the economy changes."
In Thailand, "Bangkok Isetan" was also closed last year, and the business environment for Japanese department stores has become even more severe due to intensifying competition with local capital and the impact of the new coronavirus.