The mall podium structure under construction. July 2019.
In 2018,[2] Japanese firm Mitsukoshi, Ltd. announced that it would be opening the first branch of its retail chain in the Philippines.[3]
The retail outlet, which would be known as Mitsukoshi BGC would be developed as a joint project between Japanese companies Nomura Real Estate Development and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings; with Philippine firm Federal Land.[4] The project includes the adjacent Seasons Residences.[4][5]
Mitsukoshi BGC partially started operations with its soft opening on November 18, 2022.[6][7]
The grand opening for the Mitsukoshi mall was held on July 21, 2023.[4]
Architecture and design
Mitsukoshi BGC serves as the podium structure for the four-tower The Seasons Residences residential complex.[8] The mall structure covers four storeys, which includes a basement level.[1][6]
The Seasons including the podium which hosts the mall was designed by Japanese firm Torafu Architects with collaboration with artist Asao Tokolo.[8] The façade, which is a product of the collaboration, features a geometric design that is a derivation of the Japanese hemp leaf.[9]
Facilities and tenants
Mitsukoshi BGC deviates from the standard department store model of the Mitsukoshi brand and instead follows a shopping mall format with 120 tenants when it first opened.[10]
Marketed as a "lifestyle mall", Mitsukoshi BGC primarily features stores and outlets under Japanese brands. In its basement it host the Itadaki Food Court as well as Mitsukoshi Fresh, a depachika or food market.[5]