Retail

Uniqlo drew the strongest consumer attention in late September by combining the launch of its autumn-winter collection with store renovations. The timing of the seasonal shift is prompting retailers to step up their activity at the same time.

Aeon drew major attention on September 30 by announcing an Oktoberfest-themed campaign and a price-cut program. Don Quijoto launched several limited-distribution new products in mid-September and is establishing a presence in the everyday consumption space. Nitori is steadily capturing seasonal demand with new autumn products and the start of sales for N Warm. Muji presented its Return to Materials series and autumn-winter apparel back to back in mid-September, underscoring the consistency of its brand. FamilyMart launched its Famichiki 20th anniversary campaign on September 29 and is generating buzz that is spreading across social media. Lawson is keeping its momentum with seasonal products, highlighting new October items from Lawson Store 100. Seven-Eleven, as a leading name among Japanese convenience stores, continues to be cited regularly in the context of distribution and promotions. Ito-Yokado is increasing its visibility in retail news through coverage of distribution restructuring tied to 7&i. Daiso, through its joint campaigns with Uniqlo and Standard Products, is maintaining attention in the household goods category.

As the autumn-winter shopping season reaches its peak and convenience store chains' anniversary and seasonal campaigns overlap, the retail industry has entered an intense competitive phase in which companies are vying for consumers' wallets.