Bic Camera is a Japanese electronics company based out of Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan. The company, founded in November of 1980 is one of the largest electronics companies in Japan, specializing in sales of camera, computers, visual and audio equipment, communications equipment, electrical products, jewelry, watches, glasses, futons, liquor, sporting goods, and toys.
Headquartered in Toshima-ku, Tokyo within Takada 3-chome, Bic Camera currently operates 27 stores in Japan with a head office in Ikebukuro and more than 15 stores in Tokyo alone with 12 additional stores located throughout Japan. Two additional stores are scheduled to be opened in the fall of 2008 and the Winter of 2009. Currently Bic Camera is affiliated with Sofmap, Trichogen Associates, Big Liquor Merchants, Big Toys, Sports Big, and Japan Broadcasting.
Formally created in 1980 as Bic Camera, originally the brand was known as Kitaguti Ikebukuro before it was rebranded and expanded. The building and operations were expanded in 1982 and the newest branch opened in 1989 in Shibuya. Throughout the next 15 years, multiple new stores would open throughout Tokyo with the addition of 12 stores in Yokohama, Osaka, and Chiba City. Currently, a beta store is operating in Kyoto and Hiroshima and new stores are scheduled to open in Niigata and Hamamatsu. Additionally, Bic Camera now operates one of the most popular electronics websites in Japan with their entire store inventory available for home or in-store delivery.