Retail
Lawson to launch 'Real x Tech' convenience store with AI, robots
Japanese retailer and KDDI telecom company create unique alliance after $3.5bn deal
Retail
Uniqlo sister brand GU launches New York HQ in U.S. push
Japanese budget brand looks to expand beyond Asia toward goal of tripling revenue
Consumer
China's restaurants battle for solo diners, from pizza to hot pot
Shrinking households and economic jitters fuel demand for smaller servings
Retail
Japan's Takashimaya targets wealthy Vietnamese shoppers
Upscale department store eyes corporate customers in Ho Chi Minh City
Retail
Japanese premium jeans maker lures global fans with deep indigo
Momotaro Jeans seeks to more than double sales over 3 years
Retail
Struggling Chinese supermarket borrows from tiny rival's playbook
Yonghui upgrades stores to replicate pioneer Pangdonglai's success
Retail
China's Shein and Temu face end to tariff-free imports into U.S.
White House to propose rules to limit 'loophole' for small shipments
Retail
Japan's Seven & i now a 'core business,' with tighter investment rules
But addition to security list seen having little impact on Couche-Tard's buyout offer
Technology
China's foldable phone rush to boost local display makers
Top 3 players set to have over 50% of folding display market this year: report
Opinion
Seven & i vs. Couche-Tard showdown will test Japan Inc.'s swagger
Bid underscores changes coursing through corporate Japan
Food & Beverage
Singapore's SATS eyes India, China to double overseas food sales
Partnership with Japan's Mitsui helps caterer accelerate international shift
The Big Story
Japan Inc.'s 25 trillion yen opportunity: Cashing in on real estate
Railway operator Seibu sets example by putting big Tokyo complex up for sale
IPO
Malaysian grocery chain eyes 3,000 stores after market debut
99 Speed Mart shares rise 14% in country's biggest IPO in 7 years
Business deals
Couche-Tard demands talks on 7-Eleven owner buyout despite rejection
Canadian company 'disappointed' in Seven & i refusal to engage
Retail
China retailer Miniso opens its biggest store in Jakarta
New Indonesia location sets one-day sales record for growing chain
Business deals
7-Eleven owner says bid by Couche-Tard undervalues its potential
Seven & i discloses letter responding to Canadian peer's takeover proposal
Business deals
7-Eleven suitor Couche-Tard 'confident' in financing of buyout
CEO says Canadian company has leeway for 'higher leverage' if needed
China tech
Alibaba accelerates U.S. push with AI sourcing tool
Chinese e-commerce giant eyes more overseas expansion as supply chains diversify
Business deals
7-Eleven owner to tell Couche-Tard $40bn buyout offer too low
Japanese company will send letter as early as Friday, source says
Retail
IKEA to launch 500 new low-priced products in China over next year
Young consumers tighten purse strings as the economy struggles
Retail
Alibaba to let rival Tencent's payment app into its 'walled garden'
Taobao and Tmall sellers will be able to accept WeChat Pay
Business Spotlight
With 7-Eleven on buyout menu, Japanese owner Seven & i reaches crossroads
Couche-Tard targets food business, U.S. market; regulatory, antitrust issues weigh
Sports
ASICS to end sales of baseball gloves and bats in shift to running shoes
Once partner to Ichiro and Shohei Ohtani calls time on low-margin, Japan-focused goods
Retail
Japan's Mercari app expands crossborder shipping to Taiwan
Move comes as China's Temu, Shein lead direct-to-consumer business
Technology
Apple orders over 10% more iPhones than last year on AI bet
Company preparing for Sept. 9 launch of first phones with Apple Intelligence