JAPAN

City that makes Sharp TVs to subsidize purchases by residents

Shoppers look at Sharp Corp's Aquos television sets displayed at an electronics store in Tokyo. Residents and companies based in Yaita, Tochigi Prefecture, will be eligible for a grant when they purchase Sharp products. | REUTERS

By Magdalena Osumi
Staff Writer

May 20, 2015

For decades, the city of Yaita in Tochigi Prefecture has served as a production hub for Sharp Corp. Now it's pitching in to boost the struggling company's fortunes by helping residents buy its higher-end products.

The city announced a range of grants on Tuesday that are worth as much as ¥100,000. For example, it will cover 30 percent of the price of a TV that has been assembled in the city if it's purchased at a small retailer in Yaita, a local trade official said. Consumers can also buy non-TV products for smaller subsidies.

"We would like to help boost the company's sales. For 40 years it contributed to the local economy," the official said.

City that makes Sharp TVs to subsidize purchases by residents

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