Taipei 101 Chairwoman Admits Closing Store During Typhoon Was a Struggle, Prioritizing Safety

Taipei 101 chairperson Anya Chang revealed the internal struggle behind the decision to close the iconic skyscraper during Typhoon Bawe. She admitted the choice was difficult, acknowledging that department stores often see booming business on typhoon days when closures are announced but the storm hasn't fully hit.

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We decided not to gamble with nature. The safety of employees, the safety of vendors, is more important than anything.

However, Chang emphasized that the safety of employees and vendors was paramount. "We decided not to gamble with nature," she stated, adding that "the safety of employees, the safety of vendors, is more important than anything." She humorously noted that sales targets, KPIs, and EPS would take a holiday for the day, promising to retrieve them after the storm passed, as business can be recovered but people's safety cannot.

The decision followed pressure from some Taipei 101 employees who voiced their fears on social media. They appealed to Chang, stating they were not unwilling to work but were genuinely scared of risking their lives for a day's pay. This plea resonated with many netizens who supported the call for closure.

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So today... my sales take a holiday. KPIs take a holiday. Budget achievement takes a holiday. EPS takes a holiday too.

While Taipei 101 and nine other major department stores in Taipei, including Shin Kong Mitsukoshi and Far Eastern SOGO, voluntarily closed for the day, two other establishments, LaLaport and Miramar, chose to remain open. The city had announced a suspension of work and classes for the day in anticipation of the typhoon.

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We are not unwilling to work, but we are really scared. If we have to risk our lives for a day's salary, it makes us feel very helpless.