noun
large-scale store; megastore
Refers to a very large retail store, often a big-box store or a massive outlet. The term evokes the image of a giant ship (巨艦) dominating the retail landscape.
郊外に新しい巨艦店がオープンした。
A new megastore opened in the suburbs.
この巨艦店は品揃えが豊富だ。
This large-scale store has a wide selection of products.
量販店 focuses on mass sales and discount pricing, whereas 巨艦店 highlights sheer physical size.
Compound of 巨 (きょ, 'giant'), 艦 (かん, 'warship'), and 店 (てん, 'store'). The metaphor compares a massive store to a huge ship, suggesting dominance and scale.