Business / Corporate Jul 9, 2020
Retail giant Aeon logs quarterly ¥53.9 billion loss, worst since 2005
The massive red ink reflected the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on Aeon's mainstay general merchandise business, although food sales grew.
National / Reference | FYI Jul 1, 2020
Japan's new plastic bag charge: What it means for consumers and the environment
by Eric Johnston
The new rule is aimed at reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in the country’s rivers, forests, streams and, ultimately, surrounding oceans.
Business / Economy Jun 29, 2020
May retail sales fell sharply in Japan as emergency declaration stunted demand
Some analysts fear uncertainty about the economy and last year's tax hike could make consumers save more and spend less.
Business / Corporate Jun 24, 2020
Japan's retailers gain as sales data hints at post-outbreak rebound
Nitori same-store sales jumped 47 percent in June from the same month the previous year, the most on record in data going back to 2012.
Business / Corporate Jun 19, 2020
Japanese shoppers queue and crash website for Uniqlo's washable masks
Japanese shoppers queued at Uniqlo stores and crashed its website on Friday as the clothing chain began selling face masks with breathable fabric used in the brand's popular underwear, preparing for the coronavirus outbreak lasting through summer. Scenes of people standing in the rain waiting ...
Business Jun 13, 2020
The Fair Trade Commission has said some actions taken by loyalty point program operators may constitute antitrust law violations. In some cases, program operators disadvantaged participating stores that sought to adopt other point programs, the FTC said, announcing the results of its first-ever survey on ...
Business / Corporate Jun 10, 2020
Aeon to draw up anti-infection rules for all areas of business
The move comes as more expect the fight against the virus to continue for some time.
Business Jun 9, 2020
Robust sales in China keep Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing on top amid pandemic
by Ritsuko Ando and Sophie Yu
With much of Asia having subdued the spread of COVID-19, Fast Retailing is seeing trade return to its Uniqlo stores.
Business / Corporate Jun 3, 2020
Despite pandemic, Uniqlo to open new store in Tokyo's Harajuku
by Kazuaki Nagata
The opening of the shop follows a 56.5 percent plunge in Fast Retailing's domestic same-store sales in April, its worst year-on-year decline.
Business Jun 3, 2020
Japan banks and cashless payment firms to explore future 'digital yen'
Three Japanese megabanks and cashless payment providers plan to set up a consortium this month in a bid to streamline and interoperate their services, a project that could evolve into the introduction of the "digital yen" envisaged by the Bank of Japan, sources close ...
Business / Economy Jun 1, 2020
Virus takes toll as major Japanese department stores' sales plummet in May
Major Japanese department store operators said Monday their sales in May dived over 60 percent from year-earlier levels as many of their outlets shut or reduced business hours under a nationwide state of emergency over the novel coronavirus. J. Front Retailing Co., operator of Daimaru ...