Retail in Asia

In Shops

Aeon expands tax-free service for foreign tourists

To provide a more convenient and comfortable shopping experience for foreign tourists visiting Japan, Aeon has expanded its tax-free services to 409 general merchandise stores (GMV) this month.

The goal is to reach 500 stores within the first half of , aiming to reach 500 stores within the first half of the fiscal year 2015.

In time for the celebration of the Lunar New Year, Aeon also upgraded its services for foreign tourists, including discount sales for popular Japanese snacks, prescription drugs, and cosmetics, issue of discount coupons, and expansion of multilingual signs in stores.

Data from the Japan National Tourist Organization showed that the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan in 2014 exceeded that of previous year by 29.4 percent, reaching an estimated 13.4 million visitors.

The Japanese government has set a goal to achieve 20 million by 2020 to become a leading tourist destination.

By offering the convenience of one-stop shopping and a selection of goods ranging from food, clothing, household goods, cosmetics, to prescription drugs, Aeon said it strives to provide a better shopping experience for all foreign tourists visiting Japan.