Aeon, the Japanese retailer, is reportedly considering plans to open hard-discount stores in its domestic market.

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According to Japanese press reports, Aeon will dramatically extend the number of own-brand foods it carries and is considering the adoption of some European-style “deep discounting” and “hard discounting” formats.


With high food prices heavily impacting on the bottom line of all Japanese supermarkets, the reports claim Aeon will seriously consider following successful European business models, such as those practiced by heavy discounters Aldi, EuroSpin and Lidl.


Speaking with just-food, Aeon said it would not confirm or deny the adoption of some European-style practices.


“We will continue to try and develop new store concepts and styles which may suit our customers. In that sense, this is one of many methods to consider. Aeon will introduce new styles, but not only European discounting styles. However, no concrete decision has been made yet,” a spokeswoman commented.

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Currently Aeon is in the process of increasing the number of items in its own Topvalu line of reduced-price goods.

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