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
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