Trade
Japan to require foreign e-tailers to have local person in charge
Trade ministry devises new e-commerce rules amid safety concerns
Retail
Alibaba pares brick-and-mortar retailing with eye on efficiency
Chinese giant sharpens focus on core e-commerce business as stock slumps
Retail
Uniqlo parent bolsters supply chain tracking, down to the goat farm
Fast Retailing looks to balance efficiency and eco-friendliness amid regulatory pressure
Consumer
Gashapon capsule toy shop in Manila has fans flocking
Store is Japanese toymaker Bandai's first in the Philippines
Technology
Alibaba's Taobao sets up live commerce venture as competition grows
China platform is facing pressure from rivals such as PDD and Douyin
Business deals
China's JD.com considers bid for U.K. retailer amid domestic headwinds
E-commerce giant faces mounting competition from peers such as Pinduoduo
Business trends
Japan splurges on Valentine chocolate even as cocoa prices surge
Makers and department stores find novel ways to keep customers sweet on treats
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Announcements
Seven & i's price adjustment factor in Nikkei 225 to be changed
Calculation to go from 1 to 3 in response to company's planned stock split
Retail
Japan's FamilyMart to roll out cleaning robots at 300 convenience stores
New machines also carry products for sale as country's workforce shrinks
Life
Cassette tapes are making a surprise comeback in Japan
Streaming generation charmed by the low-fi warmth of analog audio
Retail
Grand Seiko opens New York flagship, taking on Swiss watchmakers
Japanese brand seeks to attract millennials looking for 'quiet luxury'
Travel & Leisure
Japan sees Korea, Taiwan tourists making up for drop in China traffic
Hotels and retailers expect different mix of customers this Lunar New Year
Retail
Lawson, KDDI to fuse physical and digital to challenge 7-Eleven
Partners to expand overseas business and provide unique tech-based services
Business deals
Japan's KDDI seeks to take Lawson convenience stores private
Current parent Mitsubishi Corp. won't join bid but would jointly operate chain
Retail
Japan's Miki House doubles down on push into luxury kidswear
Brand chases Gucci and Hermes with 'Gold Label' and overseas stores
Business trends
Japan confectionery whips up Indonesian expansion plans
Chateraise to also support cacao farmers for chocolatier offerings
Economy
Indonesia tax hikes spark outcry among businesses
Fiscal moves seen linked to populist programs amid presidential election
Retail
Thrifty Chinese consumers flock to discount snack shops
Sector expands sharply as shoppers favor local convenience over online orders
Retail
7-Eleven to begin operating unmanned convenience stores in Japan
Retailer eyes expanding outlets inside high-rise condos, factories
Work
Parental leave in Japan: Aeon offers full pay up to child's 1st birthday
Retailer joins effort to encourage more fathers to take time off
Life
Blend trend: Indo-Western fusion shines in world of fashion
Saris with a twist and other pieces win fans in Indian diaspora and beyond
Technology
Amazon to invest $15bn in Japan over 5 years, topping funds for India
Cloud system group will increase data centers to meet AI-related demand
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Retail
Malaysia's top electronics chain pivots to online growth strategy
Senheng chairman says company to stop new store launches from 2026
Retail
Muji operator logs record profit for quarter in China rebound
Operating margin at Japan retailer more than doubles on price hikes
Retail
Tourism and price hikes send Japan retail profits to post-COVID highs
Quarterly earnings up despite relatively weak domestic consumer spending