Taipei typhoon holiday: Two department stores stay open, mayor urges safety priority

Taipei declared a typhoon holiday on July 10, with most businesses closing in anticipation of Typhoon Bavi. However, two major department stores, LaLaport and Miramar, chose to remain open, prompting a statement from Mayor Chiang Wan-an. He stressed that the priority for all businesses should be ensuring the safety of their employees and customers.

Chiang stated that the city's Department of Economic Development had contacted department store operators the previous day. He urged them to adjust operating hours based on the expected wind and rain later in the day, prioritizing safety. As of the announcement, ten department store chains, including Taipei 101, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Far Eastern SOGO, Far Eastern Department Stores, Eslite Spectrum, Uni-President Department Store, Dayeh Takashimaya, Q Square, and Bellavita, had suspended operations for the day.

The mayor encouraged all citizens to use the holiday to prepare for the typhoon. He also reiterated his call for businesses to assess the afternoon weather conditions and make flexible decisions regarding their operating hours. The Department of Economic Development confirmed that while ten major department store groups had closed, LaLaport and Miramar continued their business as usual, highlighting a divergence in operational decisions during the weather alert.

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the most important thing is to ensure the safety of employees and customers.