The historic closure of Ito-Yokado supermarkets, once staples of the Japanese retail scene, marks the end of an era as the beloved chain pulls out completely from Hokkaido and shutters long-standing branches across the country. On January 13, 2024, the last store to remain open in the region, Ario Sapporo, closed its doors, leaving numerous loyal customers mourning the loss.
Since its inception more than half a century ago, Ito-Yokado has become synonymous with quality and accessibility for many Japanese families. Customers flocking to the Ario Sapporo location on the day of the closure expressed their deep sense of loss. "The freshness of the meat and fish, and the kindness of the staff made it my go-to place. It's devastating to see it go; I've been coming here since childhood!" stated one long-time customer, encapsulating the sentiments echoed by many.
The withdrawal from Hokkaido was part of Seven & I Holdings’ broader corporate strategy, which has included plans to close numerous stores nationwide due to shifts in consumer shopping preferences and increased competition from shopping malls and online retailers. The supermarket chain had operated its first Hokkaido store back in 1975, and over the decades, it became integral to many local communities.
Similarly, the Fujisawa branch of Ito-Yokado, which opened its doors to the public on June 25, 1974, held significant historical value. After being notified of its impending closure last August, the store marked its final day with heartfelt tributes. Crowds of regular customers gathered to pay their respects, sending off the store with applause and gratitude. "Thank you for everything!" rang out as employees stood lined up at the entrance, bidding farewell to customers they had served for years. The store's manager conveyed heartfelt thanks, encapsulating the collective memory of community and commerce within its walls.
"This closure signifies the end of the commercial wars of Fujisawa—what used to be fierce competition among shops has transformed dramatically over the years," noted Masaki Tanaka, former head of the Fujisawa Chamber of Commerce, reflecting on the decline of shopping as it existed decades ago. At its peak, the area around Fujisawa Station boasted multiple competitors, all vying for local customers. Now, shifting consumer patterns favor larger suburban shopping complexes, leaving traditional formats struggling to survive.
Beyond just nostalgia, the closure of Ito-Yokado stores raises pressing questions about retail's response to changing needs. Prior to the Fujisawa store's shuttering, the Daiei supermarket, once considered its rival, scaled down significantly after failing to keep up with rising commercial demands. The mounting competition has forced many local retailers to adapt rapidly or face extinction.
Plans for future use of the closed locations are underway; for example, the site of the former Ario Sapporo is set to become home to Daichi, another supermarket chain, signaling the relentless evolution of the retail market. Customers familiar with the Ito-Yokado brand express concern about who will carry on the legacy of quality and community connection previously embodied by the store.
With plans for closures continuing, including several stores projected to close shortly after, Ito-Yokado's retreat serves as both a loss to communities and evidence of the seismic shifts within Japan's retail sector. Seven & I Holdings announced intentions to close 33 stores nationwide, prompting discussions about the future of retail spaces across the country.
Reflecting on the emotional impact, customers expressed their fond memories and the sentiments evoked by the store closures. One former employee recalled her time at the Fujisawa store, saying, "I learned the rules of adulthood here. Watching it close was incredibly bittersweet; I felt like I was saying goodbye to part of my life."
Indeed, as the supermarket closures continue, the local economic landscapes shift dramatically. Community leaders and former employees are now facing the challenges of revitalizing interest within the area, adapting to new types of retail and exploring innovative opportunities to attract consumers back.
For many, the fading of the iconic dove logo, the emblem of the Ito-Yokado brand, signals not just the end of a shopping destination but also the departure of community memories, where generations of families shopped, shared experiences, and created lasting connections. While new developments may fill these spaces with alternative retail options, the emotional imprint left by Ito-Yokado is undoubtedly irreplaceable.
Reflecting on the closures, Fujisawa residents are left hoping for new ventures but will forever cherish the memories of long shopping days and friendly faces at Ito-Yokado. The question lingers: as these storied brands vanish, what impact will it leave on the future fabric of community and commerce?