With the end of the year just around the corner, Christmas shoppers visiting Tokyo's posh Ginza commercial district may find a new aspect to the area this winter.
Amid the nation's worst economic slump, discount chain stores have made inroads to this high-end shopping area, aiming to lure more customers from the world-renowned brand labels and the established traditional shops that have dominated the area.
One example is Ginza Hyakkaten, a temporary outlet opened in early November across from the Louis Vuitton store by the Daiei Inc. supermarket chain.