THE 5 RINGS OF FASHION Chapter 1.16

CHRONICLES

Chapter 1.16

Indonesia is Southeast Asia's largest economy, with a GDP of US$1.2 trillion, and continues to grow. The opening of the first department stores in Indonesia had a significant impact on the country's economic and cultural development.

Pasar Baru (Modernized Market Hall)Although not strictly a department store, Pasar Baru in Jakarta (founded in 1820) is considered one of the forerunners, serving as a hub for organized trade during the Dutch colonial period. It was established as Pasar-Baroe or Passar-Baroe (Malay for "new market") to distinguish it from the older markets of Pasar Senen and Pasar Tanah Abang, which were founded in 1735. Over time, some sections of the market began to resemble a modern department store.

Sarinah Department StoreFounded in 1962 and officially opened in 1966, Sarinah was the first modern department store in Indonesia. Located in Jakarta, it was created on the initiative of then-President Sukarno, with the aim of promoting local products and traditional crafts. Sarinah is still operational and remains a symbol of modernization and economic nationalism.

During the Dutch colonial period, some European-style department stores developed in Indonesia, especially in Batavia (now Jakarta) and Surabaya. Toko de Zon was one such store, which mainly served the Dutch community and the local elite, and was known for importing luxury goods from Europe.

Thay San Guan, founded in the early decades of the 20th century in Bandung, was one of the first department stores to serve the Chinese population and the Indonesian elite. In the 1970s, although still operational, it began to face a crisis that ultimately led to its closure. At that time, Indonesia was experiencing significant economic changes, and competition in the retail sector was increasing.

Despite this, the store continued to cater to a high-class clientele, primarily the Chinese community and wealthy families, who had access to imported luxury goods and exclusive products. However, with the emergence of new chain stores and a shift in consumer preferences, many traditional establishments such as Thay San Guan began to lose their influence, while modern shopping malls started to take hold.

The evolution and current situation:

Matahari Department StoreFounded in 1958, Matahari has grown to become one of the most popular department store chains in Indonesia, specializing in clothing, accessories, and consumer products.

Sogo Department StoreIntroduced in Indonesia in 1990, Sogo brought a high-end shopping experience, with a focus on international brands.

Central Department StoreA Thai chain that entered Indonesia in 2014, Central offers a combination of local and global brands, catering to a modern clientele.

SeibuOriginally from Japan, Seibu is today a luxury destination in Jakarta, specializing in high-end fashion and accessories.

The opening of the first department stores in Indonesia had a significant impact on the country's economic and cultural development. They introduced a modern and urban lifestyle, transforming the population's consumption habits. Additionally, stores like Sarinah have promoted "Made in Indonesia," serving as a showcase for local products and supporting the manufacturing and craft sectors.

Taiwan is a global center for the semiconductor industry and advanced technology, with a nominal GDP of approximately US$890 billion.

Here is a more detailed overview of the major department store chains in Taiwan, including information on their foundations, operations, and current status.

Breeze Development Co., Ltd. opened in 1993 and is a chain of high-end shopping malls and department stores with branches in Taipei and other cities in Taiwan. The company is known for offering a luxurious shopping experience, with boutiques featuring both international and local brands.It currently has 8 branches and is continually expanding to keep up with new consumer trends and shifts in behavior.

Shin Kong Mitsukoshi opened in 1930 as the Taiwan branch of the Japanese department store Mitsukoshi and entered into a joint venture with Shin Kong in 1979. It is one of the largest department store chains in Taiwan, known for offering a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and homewares. The chain has 13 branches across the country and maintains a strong presence nationwide.

Far Eastern Department Stores opened in 1980 as a branch of the Far Eastern Group, a large Taiwanese conglomerate founded in 1954 by Douglas Hsu.Originally starting as a textile wholesale business, the group has since expanded into a wide range of sectors, including retail, energy, construction, finance, telecommunications, and many others.Far Eastern Department Stores have significantly contributed to the development of department stores in Taiwan.

Far East Sogo was founded in 1990 as a joint venture between the Taiwanese Far Eastern Group and the Japanese Sogo. Far East Sogo currently has 9 branches in Taiwan and has become a high-end department store brand, offering a wide range of luxury and fashion products, with a particular focus on international brands.

Uni-Ustyle Department Store opened in 1993 as Uni-President Hankyu (name changed in 2016). Founded by Uni-President Enterprises Corporation, it is a joint venture between them and the Japanese Hankyu Group. The chain specializes in fashion, accessories, and luxury products and is particularly popular for its unique shopping experience.It has 2 branches and remains operational after the name change in 2016, continuing to serve a sophisticated clientele.

Pacific Department Store opened in 1990 by Pacific Construction Group, one of the leading construction companies in Taiwan, founded in 1979. The company is primarily known for its residential and commercial construction projects and has had a significant impact on Taiwan's urban and infrastructure development, including contributing to the construction of shopping malls and other major structures.

This department store chain has two locations—one in Taichung and one in Pingtung—and is known for offering a diverse range of products for every market segment, including fashion, electronics, and home items. It is also recognized for its convenient and accessible shopping experience.

Dayeh Takashimaya opened in 1993 as a joint venture between the Taiwanese Dayeh Group and Japan's Takashimaya. The department store is known for offering high-quality products, with a focus on fashion, accessories, and luxury items. The only branch in Taichung has become a key destination for luxury shopping.

Ming Yao Department Store, which opened in 1998, offers a wide selection of consumer products, including clothing, electronics, and household items. It has only one location in Taichung and mainly caters to local customers. Although the chain is smaller than others, it maintains a solid presence in the market.

Chungyo Department Store, opened in 1992 by Chungyo Department Store Co., Ltd., is one of the leading shopping malls in Taichung, offering a variety of products, including clothing, cosmetics, household items, and much more. It continues to serve Taichung customers with a mix of local and international products.

In Taiwan, department stores have also played a key role in shaping the fashion landscape, serving as a bridge between tradition and innovation, and creating an environment that supports both global retail and local fashion. Their impact is reflected in the continuous development of the Taiwanese fashion market, which is becoming increasingly dynamic and future-oriented.

To be continued...