Hanshin Department Store stays open during typhoon, draws crowds in Taichung

While most major department stores in Taichung closed their doors due to Typhoon Bawee, the Hanshin Department Store made the unusual decision to remain open, drawing crowds throughout the day. Major retailers like Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Zhongyou, Far Eastern, San Mitsui Outlet Park, and LaLaport all suspended operations. Hanshin, however, delayed its opening until noon.

As the wind and rain subsided in the afternoon, shoppers began to arrive at Hanshin. The situation intensified around the 5 p.m. dinner rush, with cars lining up to enter the parking lot. Store officials estimated that while crowds were larger than on a typical weekday, they did not reach the scale of a normal weekend, indicating the typhoon still had an impact.

The department store's decision to operate as usual, or with a slight delay, set it apart from competitors. This "one-branch-stands-alone" approach during the typhoon attracted significant attention and foot traffic, especially during peak dining hours when both the food court and restaurants were fully occupied.

Despite the influx of customers, the overall shopping volume was reportedly affected by the typhoon. The store's choice to remain open contrasted sharply with the closures of other prominent shopping centers in the Taichung area, highlighting a unique strategy amidst adverse weather conditions.