Tetsutaro lida
and I were discussing the differences between Japanese and American department
stores. We compared mark-up, stock-turn, sales per square foot (per square
meter in
Then, he really surprised me. He had an assistant bring a large
book into our meeting room. It gave precise details of the operations of all
the department stores in
In
I told Mr. lida
this would be impossible in the
He laughed when he said this wasn't the only difference between
our department stores. In
How could a government agency be smart enough to make intelligent decisions, I asked.
It's quite easy, he said. The committee which decides these matters is comprised of executives from the department stores.
Closing time for department stores is usually six o'clock, but their food departments stay open to seven thus creating an hour of chaotic bedlam.
The concessionaires for fruit and vegetables and other perishables are anxious to clear their stock ... "anxious" is an understatement. "In panic" might be more descriptive; at least, so it sounds to the shopper.
Sales efforts of loud shouts start with a degree of restraint but reach a crescendo of loud shouts as the hour approaches seven.
It's an experience well worthwhile, even if you're not interested in shopping.