Local News

With Hamaya’s announcement that it would close its outlet in Omura, Nagasaki Prefecture, the Nishinippon Shimbun reports that regional department stores are facing a crisis brought about by the success of large multi-outlet commercial facilities. They also expect the crisis to grow worse with the continued construction and expansion of shopping centers, and the construction of large commercial buildings at train stations. The shopping facility built at the JR Hakata station has resulted in a 7% revenue decline for the three major department stores in the Tenjin district, and a similar building is planned for Oita City.