TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung has remained closed since a deadly gas explosion on Feb. 13.

On Monday, the company announced that in response to complaints from employees and concerns from client businesses, it will open a temporary sales floor at the Taichung World Trade Center from Feb. 28 to March 11, per UDN.

Following the explosion, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) ordered the department store closed for investigations and repairs, stating that a thorough safety inspection is required before business operations can resume at its Taiwan Boulevard location.

A review by the Taichung City Architects Association on Friday found deficiencies in the building’s evacuation routes and disaster relief equipment, posing risks to public safety. The association recommended that the building remain closed until these issues are resolved, per CNA.

While repairs are ongoing, some employees have been offered temporary work placements at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi branches in other cities. However, many staff members and business partners expressed concerns to company headquarters about lost income due to the Taichung store’s closure.

After negotiations between labor and management, the company decided to rent exhibition space at the Taichung World Trade Center in Xitun District as a temporary solution, per UDN. The company is reportedly capable of setting up vendor booths within one or two days, and some employees have been notified to report for work on Wednesday, Feb. 27, ahead of the temporary sales floor’s opening.

The short-term sales venue at the World Trade Center is expected to mitigate multiple issues, allowing businesses to continue operating, reducing staff turnover, and enabling customers to support affected vendors.

The explosion at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi resulted in four deaths and 30 injuries. A Taichung Fire Department investigation found that the likely cause was an accidental gas leak triggered by renovation work on the 11th and 12th floors.