Wal-Mart to close 30 underperforming stores in Japan, take charge

Wal-Mart said the 30 stores operate under the Seiyu brand, and the closure is part of a revamp that will include remodels and other investments. The closures represent 7 percent of Wal-Mart's 434 stores in Japan. Wal-Mart first invested in Seiyu in 2002 and took full control of the company in 2008 with the aim of employing its low-cost model to win share from entrenched rivals like Aeon Co and Seven & i Holdings Co (3382.T). Walmart spokesman Randy Hargrove said that overall the company's Japan operations were performing well, with sales and profits expected to grow for a sixth consecutive year in 2014.



via Business News http://finance.yahoo.com/news/wal-mart-close-30-underperforming-185112169.html