Sogo, so good

Article Abstract:

Japanese department store chains are expanding throughout Asia and continue to have an edge over their counterparts in Asian nations. Although the department store industry is faced with difficulties ranging from changing demographics and customer demands to high overhead costs and inventory problems, Japanese department store owners have been wise enough to keep expensive properties to back up their assets. Consequently, Japanese firms enjoy a 40% debt-to-equity ratio. The Japanese firms' expansions in Asia's expanding markets are also seen as wise decisions.

Management, Foreign operations, Chain stores

---

Sogo's woes: Japanese retailer pays price of rapid expansion

Article Abstract:

Sogo Co, Japan's largest department-store chain in volume and the largest Japanese retailer in Southeast Asia, suffered a drop in sales and profits in 1992 that largely resulted from the growth strategy of long-time Pres Hiroo Mizushima. The Osaka-based chain's gross profit margin for 1992 was less than the 25% average for Japanese department stores. The chain's rapid expansion during the 1980s and Mizushima's reliance on rising land values to finance growth brought about the current downturn.

Southeast Asia, Sogo Company Ltd., Asia, Southeastern

---

On the plus side: Tokyo stock rally expected to help corporate earnings

Article Abstract:

Japan's Nikkei Stock Average has risen 21% since Mar 1, 1993, producing higher equity values that will boost corporate earnings. This improvement is particularly welcome in light of Japan's severe recession. The stock market jump has generated $670 billion worth of new wealth that should do much to improve consumer spending. However, the economic indicators are too contradictory to declare that Japan is in recovery.

Economic aspects, Nikkei Dow Jones Industrial Average

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Lose and learn: Japan's firms pay price of financial speculation. Blood and profit
• Abstracts: Power of the purse. No good losers. Coconut capital
• Abstracts: Coconut capital. Home truths: Pakistan has imported a technocrat from the World Bank to mend its economy. Other Asian examples show that expertise isn't enough: such reformists need political backing to succeed
• Abstracts: Rao's new dowry. The freed rupee: budget aims to boost investment and exports. Still on the rails
• Abstracts: The three-year itch. Paris in the spring: Bangladesh prepares for tough donors' meeting. Tall order

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.