Retail in Asia

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Wal-Mart to close 30 underperforming stores in Japan

Wal-Mart Stores Inc said on Thursday it would close 30 underperforming stores in Japan, scaling back in what was once considered one of the retailer’s most promising markets and highlighting the hurdles it faces to securing growth overseas.

Wal-Mart said the 30 stores operate under the Seiyu brand, and the closure is part of a revamp that will include remodels and other investments. The closures represent 7 percent of Wal-Mart’s 434 stores in Japan.

Wal-Mart first invested in Seiyu in 2002 and took full control of the company in 2008 with the aim of employing its low-cost model to win share from entrenched rivals like Aeon and Seven & I Holdings.
 

(Source: CNBC)