Sapore Opens at Former Meitetsu Department Store, June 20

Nagoya Railroad announced on June 19 that Sapore, a high-quality supermarket based in Mie Prefecture, will open in the basement of the former Meitetsu Department Store this winter. The store will occupy 2,500 square meters of space and mark Sapore’s first location in the Nagoya Station area. The move aims to maintain foot traffic after the department store closed in February 2026.

Why Sapore Chose the Former Department Store

Sapore operates three stores across Aichi and Mie prefectures and specializes in fresh produce, prepared foods, and international products. Nagoya Railroad and Sapore formed a capital and business partnership on July 1, 2025. The new location will serve customers who previously shopped at the department store’s food section, meeting existing demand in the area.

Filling a Gap in Nagoya Station Redevelopment

The Nagoya Station area redevelopment plan was revised, leaving the demolition timeline of the former department store building uncertain. The basement location provides temporary commercial use while the building remains standing. Nagoya Railroad aims to create foot traffic in the district during this transition period.

Store Details and Opening Timeline

Sapore will occupy the basement level of the Meitetsu Bus Terminal Building, the former department store’s men’s building. The store will feature approximately 2,500 square meters of retail space. The supermarket will open in winter 2026, with exact opening dates to be announced later. The store will offer fresh fruit, prepared items, and specialty goods sourced from across Japan and internationally.

Broader Changes at the Former Department Store

On June 24, 2026, a gift and confectionery corner called M’s RELIER NAGOYA also opened in the basement, featuring 10 shops with 11 brands. The building continues to house a hotel and bus terminal that were originally scheduled to close but remain operational due to the redevelopment plan revision.

Final Thoughts

Sapore’s opening fills a commercial gap left by the Meitetsu Department Store closure while the building awaits redevelopment. The move demonstrates how retailers adapt to delayed urban renewal plans by repurposing existing spaces.

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