BIG-SPENDING tourists will soon be able to kick back and relax in lounges in some of Japan’s swankiest department stores.
The trend of pampering overseas visitors has been spearheaded by Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, which has confirmed that plans are under way to upgrade facilities at its Ginza Mitsukoshi store by this autumn.
Rival Takashimaya is planning a similar relaxation lounge for enthusiastic shoppers at its Shinjuku store, scheduling the opening for 2016.
Details of what exactly will be available to rejuvenate weary shoppers have not been released, though there have been reports that the lounge will be similar to first-class lounges, with relaxing chairs and complimentary drinks.
It is likely that the facilities will restricted to visitors who spend a certain amount at the store,Asahi newspaper reported, though no figure has yet been set.
In the face of a shrinking domestic population and ongoing economic problems, Japan’s department stores are increasingly tapping into the tourist market to boost sales.
Travel operators say that one of the most attractive new developments in Japan is the rapid expansion of duty-free shopping opportunities for tourists.
Big-spending Chinese tourists accounted for the majority of February’s 1.4 million arrivals, a 57 per cent year-on-year increase and a record high for monthly arrivals.
