Bic Camera
is a consumer electronics retailer chain in Japan. Currently, it has 45 stores in 17 prefectures. Bic Camera has a 50% ownership of former rival store Kojima and full ownership of computer store chain Sofmap. As of 2023, Bic Camera is the second largest electronics and home appliance retailer, behind Yamada Denki. History In 1968, founded in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture. Four years later, the camera sales department was separated from the company and renamed . In 1978, Bic Color was renamed Bic Camera, with their first store opening in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Originally specializing in selling cameras at discount prices, Bic Camera expanded to selling home appliances, personal computers, alcoholic beverages, golf equipment, bedding, luxury brand products, bicycles, and toys. In 1994, Bic Camera spun-off its PC section to . Following a decline in PC sales, this subsidiary was absorbed back into the company in 2000. In 1995, Bic Camera displayed banners protesting France's nuclear weapons testing in the South Pacific. Nippon BS Broadcasting Corp. was established in 1999, with Bic Camera as its majority shareholder. As part of its expansion, Bic Camera purchased Sogo's Yūrakuchō building in 2001. Throughout the 2000s, Bic Camera opened locations connected to JR stations across