Japanese department stores are experiencing mixed fortunes. Traditional kimono retailers, known as 'gofukuya', are thriving, while others linked to the railway industry are struggling financially. Factors contributing to these outcomes include diverse consumer behavior and changes in shopping habits. It's clear the retail industry in Japan is facing a rapidly transforming landscape that's having an uneven impact across different sectors.

In Japan, department stores, specifically gofukuya and those linked to the railway industry, play a significant role in the economy and reflect consumer behavior. The rise of gofukuya in particular denotes a return to tradition and a reinvigoration of cultural appreciation. Meanwhile, the decline of those linked to transportation suggest the impact of different lifestyle trends, including e-commerce and pandemic-induced remote work and reduced travel.

In the US or EU, department stores have undergone similar fluctuations. Online shopping, changes in consumer behavior, and the impact of the pandemic have reshaped the retail landscape, leading to the downfall of some businesses while others, especially niche and culturally significant establishments, have thrived.