The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has issued a cease-and-desist order to furniture wholesaler Sekikagu, based in Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, for violating antitrust laws.
The company reportedly pressured retailers not to discount sales of its overseas brand ergonomic chairs, specifically the “Ergohuman” model. Since February 2020, Sekikagu mandated that retailers adhere to a set “reference price” and monitored sales through online platforms, instructing retailers who discounted prices to cease doing so. Non-compliant retailers were subjected to higher wholesale prices. This practice, deemed resale price maintenance, is prohibited under Japanese antitrust law. An investigation last year confirmed the violations, with evidence indicating that a former executive spearheaded the policy across approximately 800 retailers. Sekikagu avoided leaving written evidence by giving instructions verbally. The company apologized, stating its commitment to compliance and rebuilding trust. Source: Sekikagu / NHK
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