The main Meitetsu Department Store, a landmark at Nagoya Station, permanently closed on Saturday after 71 years. The closure forms part of a redevelopment plan for the Nagoya Station area, led by its parent company, Nagoya Railroad. However, the plan was put on hold last December, leaving the timeline for demolition and reconstruction uncertain.
The Meitetsu Department Store main branch opened in December 1954 and served as the core of the commercial district near Nagoya Station. However, facing declining business, its sales dropped from ¥79.3 billion ($511 million) in 2000 to ¥37.6 billion in 2024.
At the closing ceremony, President Hitoshi Ishikawa said, "Thank you very much for your long-time patronage."
Following the closure, the operator plans to consider opening some shops on the lower floors of the building. Nagoya Railroad has indicated it will outline the direction of the redevelopment plan in fiscal 2026.
The redevelopment aims to revitalize the area around the station, but it was placed on hold last December after a prospective contractor declined to bid, citing difficulties in securing workers. This delay is expected to hinder efforts to rejuvenate the Nagoya Station vicinity.
The closure highlights challenges in the department store sector, underscoring issues in urban commercial redevelopment.