Business trends
McDonald's, Starbucks, others hit by Indonesia, Malaysia boycotts
Muslims protest Western brands over perceived pro-Israel stance on Gaza
Retail
China tech
JD.com shares surge 16% on $3bn buyback plan, Q4 revenue beat
Chinese e-commerce group vows to boost price competitiveness but stay 'disciplined'
Retail
Myanmar's City Mart ramps up expansion of convenience stores
Retail group goes on the offensive with minimarts to capture young customers
Retail
FamilyMart to revamp joint venture in China, ends divorce fight
Japan convenience store chains rethink strategies in changing market
Retail
Japan furniture seller Nitori to open first Philippines store in Manila
Retailer aims for 50 shops in country by 2032 amid Asia-focused overseas push
Retail
South Korea's Coupang eyes luxury goods after earning first profit
E-commerce company to tap earnings at home to expand reach
Retail
Japan drugstore chains join with Aeon to form world's fifth largest
Welcia and Tsuruha unite to expand in Asia and capture demand from aging population
Trade
Japan to require foreign e-tailers to have local person in charge
Trade ministry devises new e-commerce rules amid safety concerns
Retail
Alibaba pares brick-and-mortar retailing with eye on efficiency
Chinese giant sharpens focus on core e-commerce business as stock slumps
Retail
Uniqlo parent bolsters supply chain tracking, down to the goat farm
Fast Retailing looks to balance efficiency and eco-friendliness amid regulatory pressure
Consumer
Gashapon capsule toy shop in Manila has fans flocking
Store is Japanese toymaker Bandai's first in the Philippines
Technology
Alibaba's Taobao sets up live commerce venture as competition grows
China platform is facing pressure from rivals such as PDD and Douyin
Business deals
China's JD.com considers bid for U.K. retailer amid domestic headwinds
E-commerce giant faces mounting competition from peers such as Pinduoduo
Business trends
Japan splurges on Valentine chocolate even as cocoa prices surge
Makers and department stores find novel ways to keep customers sweet on treats
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Announcements
Seven & i's price adjustment factor in Nikkei 225 to be changed
Calculation to go from 1 to 3 in response to company's planned stock split
Retail
Japan's FamilyMart to roll out cleaning robots at 300 convenience stores
New machines also carry products for sale as country's workforce shrinks
Life
Cassette tapes are making a surprise comeback in Japan
Streaming generation charmed by the low-fi warmth of analog audio
Retail
Grand Seiko opens New York flagship, taking on Swiss watchmakers
Japanese brand seeks to attract millennials looking for 'quiet luxury'
Travel & Leisure
Japan sees Korea, Taiwan tourists making up for drop in China traffic
Hotels and retailers expect different mix of customers this Lunar New Year
Retail
Lawson, KDDI to fuse physical and digital to challenge 7-Eleven
Partners to expand overseas business and provide unique tech-based services
Business deals
Japan's KDDI seeks to take Lawson convenience stores private
Current parent Mitsubishi Corp. won't join bid but would jointly operate chain
Retail
Japan's Miki House doubles down on push into luxury kidswear
Brand chases Gucci and Hermes with 'Gold Label' and overseas stores
Business trends
Japan confectionery whips up Indonesian expansion plans
Chateraise to also support cacao farmers for chocolatier offerings
Economy
Indonesia tax hikes spark outcry among businesses
Fiscal moves seen linked to populist programs amid presidential election
Retail
Thrifty Chinese consumers flock to discount snack shops
Sector expands sharply as shoppers favor local convenience over online orders