Sugakiya will open two new stores in Kanagawa Prefecture this autumn, marking the chain's return to the Kanto market after approximately 20 years [1].
The expansion signals a strategic shift for the Nagoya-based brand as it leverages its 80th anniversary to increase brand value and meet long-standing regional demand [3].
The new locations will be situated in Yokohama City within a food court [7] and in Atsugi City on the first floor of a building directly connected to Hon-Atsugi Station [8]. While some reports list the opening for the autumn and winter season [3], other sources specify the stores will open in October [3].
Sugakiya, operated by Sugaki Co. Systems Co., Ltd., first announced the expansion on June 15 [6]. The company has set an ambitious growth target of reaching 50 stores nationwide within three years [5].
Company spokesperson Miyaji said the internal reaction to the announcement was positive. Miyaji said the company aims to provide products that satisfy customers and meet the high expectations surrounding the return to the region [4].
The move follows a period of concentrated growth in central Japan, with the company now using its milestone anniversary to test the viability of its business model in the more competitive Kanto region [3].
“Sugakiya will open two new stores in Kanagawa Prefecture this autumn”
Sugakiya's re-entry into the Kanto region represents a calculated risk to scale a regional identity into a national brand. By selecting high-traffic hubs like Hon-Atsugi Station and Yokohama food courts, the company is prioritizing visibility and accessibility to test whether its Nagoya-centric appeal translates to the dense population centers of Kanagawa before pursuing its 50-store goal.
