A PYMNTS Company

Japan: JFTC raids department stores

By  |  July 19, 2017

On July 19, Japan’s competition watchdog searched the offices and branches of three department store chains in the Osaka-Kyoto area for alleged violation of anti-monopoly law. The retailers are suspected of forming a cartel to fix package delivery rates associated with year-end and mid year gifts.

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) raided major department store chains Takashimaya, Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department stores and Sogo & Seibu. The JFTC also plans to conduct hearings with all parties alleged to be involved.

The alleged price fixing is thought to have started sometime in 2015 following a March 2014 price-hike request by courier companies to their corporate clients in order to improve service.

Courier services are popular in Japan, especially in the biannual gift-giving seasons during which people typically rely on department stores for delivery.

Full Content: Nikkei

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.