Hanshin Department Store
Hanshin Department Store gains 74.5 points and comes in third place in the 2017 survey. It deals with everything from fashion to everyday goods. Previous to its merger in 2007 with its once rival Hankyu, both department stores had engaged in fierce competition in the Kansai region (specifically Osaka) and attracted many customers because of this rivalry. Currently, Hanshin Department Store has four locations in Osaka and Kobe. If you find yourself in the Kansai region, these would be the stores to visit.
Mitsukoshi
Along with Matsuya, Mitsukoshi is recognized as Japan’s oldest department store. It is also one of the nation’s largest. Eight years ago, the company merged with Isetan to form Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings.
The two chains remain distinct from one another, however, with Mitsukoshi being a little pricier and more upscale. The Chuo-ku location in Tokyo is one of their most notable. Mitsukoshi also operates stores in North America, Europe and Asia.
Isetan
Isetan come in at fourth place. It was established in Tokyo as a kimono store in 1886 and shortly after the Great Kanto earthquake in 1923, it was reborn as a department store. As mentioned above, Isetan merged with Mitsukoshi in 2008 and its holding company has the highest sales in the industry.
Even when looking at stores alone, the flagship store of Isetan in Shinjuku has the best sales in Japanese department stores. If you have plans to visit Tokyo, consider visiting Isetan's Shinjuku location, high sales and customer satisfaction may help to create the perfect experience you have been searching for.
Tokyu Department Store
Tokyu will be a familiar name to anyone who has ever traveled in Tokyo. The company not only operates their Tokyo Department store branches, like their flagship shop at Shibuya Station, but the ubiquitous Tokyo Hands multi-level hobby store. Tokyu Department Store carries a lot of local streetwear brands that appeal to a wide audience.
Daimaru & Takashimaya
The survey at the time of writing this article shows that there is a 76.5 point tie for second place between Daimaru and Takashimaya. Daimaru was founded in Kyoto as Daimonji-ya in 1717 and changed its name to Daimaru in 1728 when its third store in Nagoya opened. Through its merger with Matsuzakaya, a major department store based in Nagoya in 2007, Daimaru now has six flagship stores in major cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Tokyo and Sapporo and seven stores in regional cities and towns.
Takashimaya has its flagship store in Osaka and another 18 domestic and three international stores. It started in 1831 with about 9,000 employees who now participate actively in the stores.
PARCO
PARCO is a major department store chain with branches in most major Japanese cities. One of their main locations in Tokyo, Shibuya PARCO, is currently undergoing renovations and will be closed for the next four years. Fortunately, they operate other branches like PARCO P’Ikebukuro Annex in Ikebukuro. PARCO tries to support local talent by encouraging popup shops. They also use a unique business model that combines retail with real estate services.