Department stores are preparing 'lucky bags' for the New Year's shopping season around the themes of family bonds, power-saving and emergency supplies in response to the March 11 catastrophe.
The sale starts Jan. 2, officials said.
Mitsukoshi's main store in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district has scrapped its practice of charging a uniform ¥10,500 per bag of clothing items, and this year hopes to sell about 80,000 bags ranging from ¥10,000 to ¥30,000. It is also doing away with its special lucky bag sales area.
The store will also offer a special ¥980,000 two-day family package featuring a special bus ride and stay at a hot springs in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Takashimaya Co.'s Yokohama store will offer a few lucky bags for ¥20,120 that will let couples enter a draw to don Heian Period (794-1185) costumes. Five couples will be selected and have their photos taken.