Matsue – Ichibata Department Store, Shimane’s only prestigious department store, closed its doors on January 14th after 65 years of operation. The store was a symbol of pride for Shimane Prefecture. About 12,000 customers visited the store on its final day of operation, according to the San-in Chuo Shimpo, a leading local newspaper.
At around 6:20 PM, a closing announcement was made inside the store, and a sombre atmosphere filled the air. Ichibata patrons and media crew gathered at the front gate to see the farewell ceremony. The president of the Ichibata Department Store thanked his customers, and an executive ordered the last message, “The store would close its doors,” with tears.
The store’s sales reportedly plummeted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its future use is yet to be determined.