The Isetan Mitsukoshi group was incorporated in 2008 through the merger of two major department store operators originating from kimono merchants: Mitsukoshi, which was founded in 1673, and Isetan, an iconic brand that was established in 1886.
It is the largest department store group in Japan with a network of 27 stores domestically and 32 stores abroad, represented by the three domestic flagship stores of Isetan Shinjuku Main Store, Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Main Store and Mitsukoshi Ginza Store.
Isetan Shinjuku Main Store is known as “The world’s greatest fashion store”, Mitsukoshi Nihombashi Main Store as “The culture resort department store”, and the Mitsukoshi Ginza Store as “The world’s most up-to-date global department store”.
Isetan Mitsukoshi receives over 200 million annual store visits, which is more than Japan’s population of 127 million. Isetan Mitsukoshi’s annual sales is over ¥1.2 trillion (£7 billion/US$10.5 billion), which is the highest of any department store group in Japan. Isetan Mitsukoshi employs approximately 26,000 people, and if they link their hands together, will make a line approximately 42.195km long.
The brand aims to deliver to its customers a “definite value” – a value that other retail formats cannot match and only the brand can deliver across the board. This includes environment/space, products and marketing, as the brand addresses the question of determining how department stores should evolve. Isetan Mitsukoshi believes that with perseverance, they can ensure sustainable growth into the future.
Isetan Shinjuku’s Main Store has been one of Japan’s leading fashion department stores. Isetan Shinjuku counts its customer base among trendsetters those who have a taste for the finer things in life. As a landmark in the major shopping district of Shinjuku, where all large-scale department stores are gathered, Isetan Shinjuku aims to become “the world’s greatest fashion store”. With an emphasis on fashion in all senses and genres, Isetan Shinjuku “curates” brands not only across Japan, but also from the around the world, based on the actual quality, creativity and trendsetting value of the product.