TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tenants received notices Thursday from Shin Kong Mitsukoshi to prepare for the reopening of its Taichung department store, which has been closed since a gas explosion earlier this year resulted in five deaths.

The explosion took place Feb. 13 in the 12th-floor food court during renovation work. Since then, the entire building has remained closed, according to CNA.

Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, one of Taiwan’s leading department store chains, confirmed it will apply for approval to resume operations. If approved, the Taichung store is expected to reopen by the end of September.

Last year, the Taichung store generated NT$25.8 billion (US$868 million) in annual revenue. Based on that figure, monthly losses from the closure are estimated at approximately NT$220 million, with cumulative losses since the explosion reaching an estimated NT$10 billion.

As the top-grossing department store in Taiwan, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi carries significant expectations among Taichung residents who hope for an early reopening. A sales associate expressed relief, saying that both colleagues and longtime customers have been eagerly awaiting the store’s return.

The company stated that all restoration and reconstruction work is being conducted in accordance with safety regulations. Each floor will be certified by professional technicians and reviewed by an independent third-party organization.