Local News

Consumer electronics mass merchandiser Best Denki and gas station operator Eneos Frontier have agreed to a business partnership for the sale of solar power generating equipment at gas stations. While competitors will view with interest the success or failure of this new business model, it reflects the difficulties both industries are facing. Consumer electronics merchandisers have been hit by the slump following the end of the eco-point system and the initial demand for new televisions due to the switch to terrestrial digital broadcasts. Meanwhile, gasoline demand is down, particularly in cities, with the spread of hybrid vehicles and the tendency of young people to shun automobile purchases.