Business / Corporate Oct 21, 2020
Nitori to launch hostile takeover bid for Shimachu to rival DCM offer
The deal for the DIY and hardware stores operator is expected to be worth up to ¥163.6 billion.
Business / Corporate Oct 16, 2020
Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing's profits up on China and Japan sales
by Lisa Du and Grace Huang
Analysts say Fast Retailing is in a position to recover faster compared with its peers, given its emphasis on affordable, basic clothing suitable for working from home.
National Oct 3, 2020
Shoplifters in Japan taking advantage of wider use of reusable bags to conceal goods
The issue has arisen in the three months since all retailers were required to start charging customers for plastic bags in an effort to reduce plastic waste.
Business Sep 24, 2020
Japan department store sales down 22% in August amid virus spread
Confectionery products saw a 27.0 percent drop, partly because many people did not visit their family members or relatives during the holiday season.
Business Sep 12, 2020
Death knell sounds for Japanese department stores
by Ritsuko Ando and Leika Kihara
The shops, which have struggled to modernize and adapt to new shopping styles, have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
Business / Corporate Sep 1, 2020
Supermarkets in Japan offer more online options amid pandemic
With people unsure about when the novel coronavirus pandemic will end, supermarkets have improved the efficiency of their “last mile” processes.
National Aug 30, 2020
Rising shoplifting after Japan's plastic bag tax prompts rethink of personal bag rules
A nonprofit group says shoplifting is on the rise following the start of mandatory charges for plastic bags in July.
Business / Economy Aug 25, 2020
Vanishing jobs and empty offices plague Britain’s retailers
by Deirdre Hipwell, Richard Vines and Manas Pratap Singh
Spending by shoppers, drinkers and diners is vital to Britain’s effort to emerge from its deepest recession for three centuries. News last week that retail sales rebounded by more than forecast in July stood out against a backdrop of unprecedented job cuts at Marks & ...
Business Aug 19, 2020
G.U. Co., a unit of Japanese apparel chain operator Fast Retailing Co., said Tuesday that it will make a full-scale entry into the cosmetics market. The operator of G.U. brand apparel shops will launch the Fast Retailing group's first cosmetics brand, #4me by GU, and ...
Business / Corporate Aug 13, 2020
Don Quijote owner Pan Pacific International posts record profit
Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp., owner of the Don Quijote discount chain, said it posted a record net profit for the year ended June, thanks to a strong showing by its general merchandise store division during the coronavirus pandemic. The retail group on Wednesday reported ...
Business / Corporate Aug 10, 2020
Department stores push yukata as online pandemic party attire
The pandemic has caused many summer festivals and fireworks shows in the country to be canceled.
Business / Tech Jul 24, 2020
Japan's virus-hit apparel makers try AI to find next trendy colors and designs
Companies are analyzing data collected from customers and social media sites to predict what they'll want to wear sooner.