[First Store in Saga Prefecture] Food Select Shop 'Kitano Ace Saga Tamaya' Opens on Thursday, April 9

Saga Tamaya (Headquarters: 2-5 Nakanokoji, Saga City, Saga Prefecture; President: Yuto Yamakoshi) will introduce the specialty food store 'Kitano Ace' under a franchise agreement and open 'Kitano Ace Saga Tamaya' on Thursday, April 9, 2026. This opening marks the first store in Saga Prefecture for 'Kitano Ace,' operated by Ace Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Tetsuya Aburayama), and our company will be responsible for store operations. Regarding the large-scale update 'Pre-Remodel': Saga Tamaya began a large-scale update called 'Pre-Remodel' in March 2026 to reconstruct the charm of the entire building. This initiative is positioned not merely as a renovation but as a 'demonstration of future department store creation,' gradually reviewing sales floors, products, and experiential value. The theme of the basement floor (South Building) renovation is 'Live Feeling and Sizzle.' We aim to evolve into a 'department store that people want to visit daily in addition to specific purposes' by renewing the layout, including in-store processed sushi, side dishes, and a drink counter. By opening Kitano Ace, we will develop a food floor that adds color to daily life with an unprecedented product lineup. Saga Tamaya will be reborn as a 'New Saga Tamaya' that transcends the framework of traditional department stores on the milestone of its 220th anniversary. Providing the 'discovery' and 'joy of choosing' in food: By opening Kitano Ace, which is supported by department stores nationwide, we will greatly enhance the appeal of the food floor and evolve it into a sales floor that is 'fun to look at, fun to choose, and happy to give.' We will deliver the 'joy of discovery' and 'joy of choosing' to the people of Saga Prefecture with an overwhelming lineup, from local products to daily items, gifts, and imported ingredients. Developing the private brand 'Kitano Selection': The store will feature 'Kitano Selection,' a private brand developed, manufactured, and sold by Kitano Ace in collaboration with domestic and international manufacturers. It is characterized by a wide variety of products such as dressings, jams, sweets, and rice accompaniments that focus on ingredients. The Saga Tamaya store will offer over 300 items carefully selected from a lineup of approximately 650. Popular items such as dashi with flying fish, carrot dressing for adults, and grilled salted mackerel will be available. Famous project 'Curry Bookshelf': 'Curry Bookshelf' is a popular corner that symbolizes Kitano Ace. Retort curries are displayed like books, allowing customers to enjoy choosing based on region and taste. We will offer over 120 types of retort curry at the Saga Tamaya store, including standard curries, specialties from famous shops nationwide, local curries, and authentic flavors from around the world. About 'Kitano Ace': 'Kitano Ace' is a specialty food store founded in 1962 in Hyogo Prefecture. It operates about 100 stores, mainly in department stores and station buildings nationwide, and is supported as a 'food select shop' with carefully selected foods. Store Overview: Name: Kitano Ace Saga Tamaya; Location: South Building Basement, Saga Tamaya, 2-5 Nakanokoji, Saga City, Saga Prefecture; Store Area: Approx. 100 sqm; Opening Date: April 9, 2026; Business Hours: 10:00-20:00; Operation: Saga Tamaya Co., Ltd. (Franchise).