Department store
Japanese Name:
デパート
Romaji Name:
depaato
Description
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A department store (depāto in Japanese) is a large retail establishment that sells a wide variety of goods, typically organized into different departments or sections. These stores offer a range of products, from clothing and electronics to cosmetics, food, and household items, often in one large building. The concept of a department store is popular in many countries around the world, and in Japan, it is a key feature of urban shopping districts.
History
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Department stores are large retail establishments offering a wide variety of goods organized into sections or “departments.”
The first modern department stores appeared in 19th-century Europe, with Le Bon Marché in Paris (1852) often cited as the prototype.
They provided a new shopping experience with fixed prices, window displays, and customer service.
In Japan, the first Western-style department store, Mitsukoshi, evolved from a kimono shop in the early 20th century.
During the 20th century, department stores became central to urban life, offering clothing, household goods, and luxury items.
Today, they remain major retail hubs worldwide, blending shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences.