Well, I guess it is the only way for these local department stores to survive… but what will happen to all the existing brands that are in these stores ?
TOKYO (Nikkei)–Sogo & Seibu Co. plans to invite fast-fashion powerhouse Zara and other major specialty stores to set up shop inside of four regional and suburban department stores this fall.
The Seven & i Holdings Co. (3382) unit hopes to attract young consumers amid a continuing slump in Japan’s department store industry.
On Sept. 22, Zara will begin operations inside a Seibu store in Yokohama’s Totsuka district. With a floor space of about 750 sq. meters, this will be one of the largest shops of any kind inside a department store.
Sogo department stores in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture, and in Tokushima will introduce household goods stores operated by group firm Loft Co.
And a Seibu store in Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture, will invite group firms Tower Records Japan Inc. and Akachanhonpo, a baby products retailer, to set up shop.
Sogo & Seibu is moving to improve efficiency at regional and suburban stores through such steps. At the same time, it is focusing management resources on large stores in major cities.
(The Nikkei Sept. 3 morning edition)
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