Daimaru Kobe Store Breaks 100 Billion Yen Sales for First Time in 19 Years, Driven by Strong Demand from Wealthy Clients and Inbound Tourists

Daimaru Kobe Store achieved sales of 101.732 billion yen in its fiscal year ending February 2026, marking a 3.4% increase year-on-year and surpassing the 100 billion yen threshold for the first time in 19 years. The milestone was driven by sustained demand from wealthy customers, including those using the store's high-end personal shopping services, as well as a steady recovery in inbound tourism supported by a weak yen and the internationalization of Kobe Airport.

Tax-free sales rose 4.9% year-on-year to 8.426 billion yen, accounting for 8.3% of total sales. While the number of Chinese visitors declined due to deteriorating Japan-China relations, the store successfully attracted tourists from other countries. Sales of paintings, jewelry, and cosmetics were particularly strong, leading the overall recovery.

The store's revenue had previously peaked at 100.789 billion yen in fiscal 2006 but fell below 100 billion yen after the Lehman Shock, dropping to as low as 78.796 billion yen in fiscal 2011 and further to 57.633 billion yen during the COVID-19 pandemic in fiscal 2020. The post-pandemic rebound has been robust, with customer traffic recovering strongly.

Store President Keiichi Ono expressed satisfaction at a press conference, stating, "I am truly delighted that Daimaru Kobe Store has made a complete recovery, but there is still potential. We aim to become a store that attracts customers from Okayama, Hiroshima, Shikoku, and even wider areas." The company forecasts a 9.8% increase in sales to 111.66 billion yen for fiscal 2026.

The ongoing redevelopment project around JR Sannomiya Station, including a new station building, is expected to have short-term effects such as changes in traffic flow and increased competition, but the company views it as potentially boosting visitor numbers and improving circulation in the Sannomiya area in the medium to long term.