Japanese department stores target foreigners

Japan’s department stores are making moves to lure foreign shoppers.

Department store operators are anticipating an increased demand for cosmetics, food and other products from foreign shoppers after those items were granted duty free status, The Japan News reported.

Matsuya, for example, is setting up a duty-free counter at its Ginza store and is boosting its Japanese sake collection, a popular gift item.

Takashimaya hopes to attract Muslim shoppers by including a Muslim prayer room at its Shinjuku store. It is also equipping all its stores with wifi.

Data from Japan Department Stores Association showed leading department stores in the country have achieved a combined sales of 33 billion yen ($303.4 million) during the first seven months of the year.

The association expects sales to continue rising in the remaining months.

“It’s nearly certain this year will see record sales, which should give momentum to the duty-free expansion,” said a representative of the association.

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