Many people were probably surprised to hear on TV that the long-loved Chitose Outlet Mall Rera will cease operations in January 2024. It will cease to function as a large-scale retail store on November 1, 2024, and currently only four tenants will remain. Rera, which can be reached in a short drive about an hour by car from Sapporo city, was popular as a place where people could casually enjoy shopping. We look back on the history of Rera and the circumstances that led to its closure.

Opened in 2005 as one of the largest outlet malls in Hokkaido.

Chitose Outlet Mall Rera, which started with 95 stores in 2005, opened as one of the largest outlet malls in Hokkaido, covering a vast area of 227,000 m2. Rera means "wind" in Ainu language, and it underwent expansion work in 2006 and 2010, with over 150 stores at its peak. It is used for weekend shopping and dates, and has become popular as a mall that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from young people to families.

Connected to New Chitose Airport by a free shuttle bus and located just a 3-minute walk from JR Minami-Chitose Station, it is well-known as a place where inbound tourists can enjoy shopping. In addition to shops, the facility also hosts a variety of events, including events that have brought together local vegetables and food trucks, and live performances by artists from Hokkaido, making it a lively and safe place for both tourists and locals to relax.

Changes in the environment that led to the decision to end operations

However, in the 19 years since its opening, the environment surrounding Chitose Outlet Mall Rera has changed significantly. In 2010, Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima opened in Kitahiroshima, which is closer to Sapporo. In addition, the impact of COVID-19 has slowed tourist activity in recent years, compounding the difficulties for Rera.

Regarding the facility's closure, the management company honestly spoke about their feelings, stating, "Due to changes in the surrounding environment, such as an increase in competing facilities nearby, the facility's competitiveness as a commercial facility has been declining."