Japan retailing icon makes PH debut
Federal Land Inc. unveiled on Thursday the first Mitsukoshi Mall in the Philippines, a milestone not only for the real estate arm of GT Capital Holdings but also for the country's retail industry. Eight years in the making, the newest lifestyle hub at Bonifacio Global City introduces Japan’s oldest and most prestigious name in retailing. The frontage bears the Mitsukoshi Group’s emblematic lion statue.
Federal Land Inc. unveiled on Thursday the country’s first MITSUKOSHI Mall in the country, marking an important milestone not only for the real estate arm of GT Capital Holdings Inc., but also for the Philippine retail industry.
SYMBOLIC OPENING
This iconic lifestyle hub—a dream that took eight years to be realized—is symbolic in several ways. It does not only mark the entry of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious retail store, but it also holds the distinction of having the MITSUKOSHI Group’s emblematic lion statue at the frontage. It is likewise the Philippines’ first Japanese branded mall.
“This mall does not only signify our country’s readiness to accept an international brand of a mall that will introduce food and non-food products from Japan and other parts of the globe. It also made available an atmosphere that is well curated by major Japanese architectural firms and service that is trained by MITSUKOSHI trainers to provide the true omotenashi spirit for our deserving clientele,” Federal Land chair Alfred Ty said in his speech during the soft-opening ceremony.
The emblematic lion statue that figures prominently at the entrance of MITSUKOSHI BGC was also symbolic as this was one of the two original lions at the store frontage of the centuries-old Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store. The lion is said to be a symbol of Japanese tradition and innovation, and MITSUKOSHI’s enduring spirit of hospitality.
“They added it to show the friendship between Japan and Philippines. It’s a very big step for their head office because that’s not a replica—that’s one of the old original lions from the Nihonbashi flagship store,” Ty said in an interview on the sidelines of the event.
AFFINITY FOR JAPAN
MITSUKOSHI BGC, located at the podium level of The Seasons Residences in Bonifacio Global City, is by Isetan MITSUKOSHI Holdings Ltd., one of the largest department store groups in Japan. The residential complex meanwhile is a Japanese-inspired, four-tower mixed-use project being developed jointly by Federal Land and Japan’s Nomura Real Estate Development Co. Ltd.
According to Ty, they are optimistic that “Japanese retail will thrive in the country” given the Filipinos’ affinity for Japan and its different destinations, food and products. At the same time, MITSUKOSHI BGC, Ty believes, can offer a “different flavor” in the local retail scene as well as
a distinct, elevated shopping and customer experience.
“As we gradually restart our lives from the wrath of the pandemic, travel is a big source of escape for many of us and it is not surprising to know that Japan will be in the list of many families. Filipinos enjoy the products available in Japan and we hope that we will be able to give a slice of Japan in our four-level mall that will feature retail stores rich in Japanese culture and customer service. It has a selection of fresh produce, Japanese restaurants, global and local branded stores, wellness, cosmetics, and lifestyle products once it is all completed by the first quarter of 2023,” Ty said.
A number of tenants already opened at Mitsukoshi including its grocery MITSUKOSHI Fresh, MITSUKOSHI Beauty, Shiseido, The Matcha Tokyo, Key Coffee, Beyond the Box, Fully Booked, Wellness Plus, among others. Guests, however, can expect more stores and “more surprises” by the first quarter of 2023 on MITSUKOSHI BGC’s grand opening.