(Central News Agency reporter He Xiuling, Taipei, June 24) On June 18, it was reported that the lease for Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Tianmu Store would expire at the end of the year. Recently, social media platforms have been circulating rumors that the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Tainan Zhongshan Store, with a 30-year history, is planning to cease operations in October this year. The site is reportedly to be taken over and operated by Taiwan Malls in the future, attracting market attention. In response, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi stated that relevant operational plans will be announced externally within this week.

Last week, a recruitment prospectus for Cathay Life Insurance's commercial properties circulated in the market, concerning the commercial property at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Tianmu Store site. The public interpreted this as the lease for Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Tianmu Store expiring this year. However, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi responded at the time, "This is not the case." Recently, news circulating on social media suggests that the Tainan Zhongshan Store may be closing, leading to public curiosity about whether Shin Kong Mitsukoshi's stores are facing adjustments.

Regarding the online rumors about the Tainan Zhongshan Store planning to cease operations, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi only responded, "Relevant operational plans will be announced externally within this week."

Currently, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi has 3 stores in the Tainan area. The first store, Tainan Zhongshan Store, opened in 1996 and is located in the Tainan Railway Station commercial district, with an annual turnover of approximately NT$2 billion.

The second store, Tainan Ximen Store, has an annual turnover of approximately NT$17 billion. It is not only among the top-performing Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department stores nationwide in terms of revenue but also the highest-earning store in southern Taiwan, making it a star performer. According to the official website, Ximen Store features international luxury brands, an ice rink, and a new concept large store, "Fayard 2.0."

The Xiaobeimen Store, which began operations in the third quarter of last year, targets young customers aged 25 to 40 and the science and technology professionals in the Southern Taiwan Science Park. Its performance since opening has been strong, with Shin Kong Mitsukoshi estimating an annual turnover of approximately NT$3 billion.

Department store industry analysts suggest that with the addition of the Xiaobeimen Store, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi has established a strategic layout in Tainan comprising a flagship store, a store in the railway station commercial district, and a store in an emerging commercial district. The degree of customer overlap among the stores and resource allocation will also be factors for the department store's future operational considerations. Although the Zhongshan Store is adjacent to Tainan Railway Station, its operating environment has changed in recent years due to the development of the commercial district and shifts in consumer traffic patterns.

The Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store building in Tainan, where the Tainan Zhongshan Store is located, was acquired by L&F No. 1 Real Estate Investment Trust Fund in 2023. The core asset of L&F No. 1 is the Taiwan Malls in Taoyuan.

Recently, market rumors have circulated regarding building renovation renderings proposed by L&F No. 1 Real Estate Investment Trust Fund. The renderings indicate plans for Taiwan Malls to operate from the 2nd basement level to the 8th floor, with international chain hotels planned for the 9th to 13th floors. However, these plans have not yet been confirmed by L&F No. 1 or Taiwan Malls. (Editor: Pan Yijing) 1150624

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  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: 商業