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 the Shimane Prefectural people. About 12,000 customers visited the store on its final day of operation, according to the San-in Chuo Shimpo, the local newspaper.
At 6:20 PM, a closing announcement in advance was made inside the store, and a sad mood peaked. The 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 as ‘the store would close the door’ with tears.
The store’s sales reportedly plummeted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its future use is yet to be determined.