By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — The former Wufu branch of President Department Store (大統百貨五福店) has been fully demolished, leaving a cleared lot after about six months of work, President Group (大統集團) confirmed on Sept. 13, according to NOWnews.
The store opened in 1975 at the corner of Wufu 2nd and Jhongshan roads in Sinsing District (新興區), and became a prominent commercial landmark during its 51 years at the site.
The Liberty Times reported that the land is jointly owned by three sons of founder Wu Yao-ting (吳耀庭). President Department Store said the portion it holds covers about 300 ping, or approximately 992 square meters, and is tentatively planned for use as a parking lot, but reports say the parking lot may only be on one part of the property.
No permanent use for the full property or timetable for further redevelopment was disclosed in the reports.
A landmark reshaped after fire
The original department store was damaged by fire in 1995 and remained unused for years. It was redeveloped in 2006 as a lower-rise commercial complex with one basement level and three floors above ground, operating first as President 262 and later as the Wufu branch.
A February NOWnews report said the operator decided to end operations because the land lease was expiring. Feb. 28, 2026, was the final business day for tenants whose contracts had been extended, and demolition began in March.
Concerns for the surrounding shopping district
The property is near Shinjyuejiang Commercial District (新堀江商圈), which the official Kaohsiung Travel website describes as a central shopping area known for fashion, accessories, restaurants and cafes.
Some nearby merchants told the Liberty Times that they were concerned the disappearance of the landmark could further reduce shopper traffic as Kaohsiung’s retail activity shifts to other areas. The report did not provide post-demolition foot-traffic data.
Location: Former President Department Store Wufu site, 262 Wufu 2nd Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung
