WE're listening: Ito-Yokado is shaking up Japan's staid retailing world

Article Abstract:

Japanese supermarket chain Ito-Yokado has led the country's retail industry into sweeping changes that will last well into the next century. Thanks to company president Toshifumi Suzuki, Ito-Yokado pays more than lip service to focusing on the customer, and its high-tech inventory and sales-tracking system makes it the country's most efficient and profitable retail chain. In 1990 Ito-Yokado stopped returning unsold merchandise to wholesalers, and in 1993 and 1994 it formed an alliance with the world's top two retailers.

Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores, Grocery stores, Supermarket Chains, Retail Store Chains, Supermarkets, Chain stores, Ito-Yokado Company Ltd.

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Not for kids: Japan's retail law comes under fire from American firm

Article Abstract:

Us toy giant Toys 'R' Us wants Japan's Ministry of Intl Trade and Industry to investigate a competitor, Akachan Honpo, for allegedly evading the country's large-scale retail law, or daitenho. Akachan calls itself a 'wholesale shop,' meaning it is not subject to restrictions Toys 'R' Us faces. While the US company has long tried to roll back the law, it insists what it really wants is a level playing field. Akachan maintains it gets most of its money from wholesaling, but analysts say 80% is from retail.

Hobby, Toy & Games Stores, Hobby, Toy, and Game Stores, Hobby, toy, and game shops, Foreign operations, International relations, Toys "R" Us Inc., TOY, Japan. Ministry of International Trade and Industry

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Simple success: Japanese chain's anti-brand chic is a consumer hit

Article Abstract:

The Mujirushi Ryohin outlet in Tokyo sells clothes, tableware, show items and stationery. It is operated by Ryohin Keikaku, a subsidiary of the Seiyu supermarket chain, offering fashionable products, retaining a simple and natural style. Ryohin Keikaku has reduced the numbers of permanent staff and recruited more contract workers, and much of the merchandise is imported at lower cost from China and India. It has seen revenues more than double over the past four years.

Retail Trade, Marketing, Seiyu Ltd.

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