AEON KYUSHU faces an environment where fuel costs continue to rise and the mild economic recovery in Japan痴 domestic economy is showing signs of slowing down. In addition, Japan痴 population continues to get older and its birthrate continues to fall, which in turn is causing a contraction in the market volume and leading to changes in the labor market, demographics and household composition.
Moreover, given changes in consumption patterns due to the spread of the Internet and changes in people痴 lifestyles, it is crucial that we are able to rapidly adapt and differentiate ourselves from competitors while continuing to ensure the safety and quality of the goods and services we offer.
Meanwhile, the prevention of global warming has become a priority business issue for all companies, and specific measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are being sought. In addition to considerations of products and services, there is a need to ensure a high degree of transparency and equity for all aspect of our management, including our corporate philosophy, and for compliance. Furthermore, in order to be chosen by customers, we must ensure that we live up to their expectations as a good corporate citizen and that each and every one of our stores supports the local community.
We are striving to find ways to innovate AEON痴 core business in Kyushu, secure a solid operational foundation, and achieve a global standard of operational efficiency through continual growth. Our aim is to become the number-one regional chain store in Kyushu, and towards that end we are instituting the following three key policies for the next period.
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(1)Enhancing Profitability
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Enhance the operational and sales strength of AEON KYUSHU痴 stores through expanded education and training |
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Strengthen commercial viability through the expansion of
AEON痴 brand TOPVALU |
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Reform cost structure by enhancing cost controls and undertaking organizational and management restructuring |
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(2)Environmental Initiatives
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Continue tree-planting activities at new stores |
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Engage in expanding the number of eco-friendly products and conserving energy at stores and offices |
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Contribute to the environment and society with the cooperation of customers, implementing the 熱y Basket and
熱y Bag campaigns and promoting the 3Rs |
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(3) New Growth Strategies
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Promote store expansion closely tied to the community that is based on AEON痴 overall area strategy |
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Increase the value of existing stores as shopping centers |
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Develop new business infrastructure, such as sales and delivery via the Internet, and the use of WAON card e-money |
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Conform to the three laws of urban development |
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In the upcoming period, we aim for further business expansion through the establishment of new stores: our GMS business will open a JUSCO store within the AEON Chikushino Shopping Center (located in Chikushino, Fukuoka Prefecture) in the latter half of the year; our Super Center business will open an AEON Super Center in the town of Oki (in the Mizuma District of Fukuoka) in the first half of the year; and our Home Center business will open three stores within the year.
It is our hope that with the continued support of all our shareholders we will be able to achieve these goals. |
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