TOKYO - Seibu & Sogo announced that it will close its Seibu Shibuya store in September, bringing an end to the 58-year history of what was once a symbol of the district and marking the disappearance of traditional department stores from Shibuya.
Another landmark is set to vanish from the heart of Shibuya.
Located in the center of the bustling district, Seibu Shibuya has long stood as a key fixture of the area.
A reporter noted that the store will close at the end of September, drawing the curtain on nearly six decades of operations.
The company cited its inability to reach an agreement with the land and building owners over lease terms tied to redevelopment plans in the Shibuya area.
Seibu Shibuya was once known for its bold repositioning in 1995, when it underwent a major renovation costing 3 billion yen under the concept of an "adult department store," expanding its target beyond young shoppers in the youth-driven district in an effort to boost sales. It also played a central role in shaping Shibuya’s identity as a hub of fashion and culture.
In recent years, however, a wave of redevelopment in Shibuya has led to the opening of numerous new commercial complexes nearby, eroding the store’s competitiveness.
With the decision now made to close, many visitors expressed a sense of loss.
One customer said the store held special memories, recalling visits there as a child with family.
The area has already seen the closure of Tokyu Department Store’s main branch in 2023, which had been a fixture for more than half a century.
With the shutdown of Seibu Shibuya, traditional-style department stores will temporarily disappear from the Shibuya district.
Source: TBS
