Japan's department stores struggle for direction in age of COVID

'Kings of retail' seek new growth, but experts warn online shift is not enough

20200809 Takashimaya

Takashimaya Nihombashi in Tokyo reopened on May 18 after being closed for more than a month due to the coronavirus. (Photo by Makoto Okada)

RURIKA IMAHASHI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- The women's floor of the Takashimaya Nihombashi department store was filled with colorful summer outfits and red-and-yellow sale signs, and shop attendants waiting to greet customers with friendly calls of "Irasshaimase," or "welcome." The only thing missing was the customers.

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