TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japan’s Mitsui Group announced Thursday it will open its fifth department store in Taipei's Nangang District on March 20.

Mitsui entered Taiwan in 2016, establishing its first outlet in Linkou District, New Taipei, focusing on major Japanese brands, per CNA. The outlet saw the highest growth, with sales reaching NT$8.8 billion (US$269 million) last year, an 11% increase, per UDN.

Typically, large department stores prioritize dense locations such as city centers or transit hubs. Nangang serves as a commercial center for Xizhi District and Keelung residents, with Xizhi alone home to over 200,000 residents.

Industry sources noted that the planned LaLaport Nangang outlet occupies a large site, with a shopping area of 47,000 ping (one ping equals 3.3 square meters), larger than Taipei 101 Shopping Mall.

Mitsui explained that, unlike other outlets that sell discounted or past-season products, its LaLaport brand focuses on in-season merchandise. It targets local residents and offers products catering to daily needs, including dining and family entertainment.

Mistui added that besides shopping malls, it is involved in real estate development and hotels. The company said it has eight ongoing projects in Taipei, New Taipei, Hsinchu, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.