JUSCO
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
JUSCO (ジャスコ Jasuko?) is the acronym for Japan United Stores Company, a chain of "General Merchandise Stores" (or hypermarket) and the largest of its type in Japan. The various JUSCO companies are subsidiaries of ÆON Co., Ltd..
The JUSCO name was adopted in 1970 by a company originally founded as a kimono silk trader in 1758. Renamed ÆON in 1989, it operates stores throughout Japan under JUSCO and other names, and also has a presence in Malaysia, Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan and Thailand,[1] although the Taiwan operations are scheduled to end on December 18, 2007.[2]
[edit] Overseas venture
In 1985 the first JUSCO overseas store was opened, in Plaza Dayabumi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia[3][4], as a jointly-owned company with Cold Storage (Malaysia) and three other local companies. It was the first time that a Japanese company had entered into a significant joint venture in the Malaysian retail industry. JUSCO assumed total operational control of the chain in 1988. Currently 18 JUSCO stores and supermarkets nationwide are in operation with another 4 confirmed opening and 3 planned stores by 2010.
The ÆON Bukit Tinggi Shopping Centre in Bandar Bukit Tinggi, Klang in Malaysia is the largest JUSCO in Malaysia and Southeast Asia with over 2,100,000 square feet (195,000 m²) of built-up area and 5,000 car park bays.
JUSCO in Malaysia is notable for being among the first general merchandise chain to introduce the biodegradable poly bags made from sweet potatoes.
JUSCO, the tradename of AEON Stores (Hong Kong) Co. Ltd. was established in Hong Kong in November 1987 with the first shop at Kornhill Plaza, Quarry Bay, and was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in February 1994. The largest JUSCO (also the largest single-building shopping center in Japan) opened in 2005 in Mito.
Several Jusco's have shut down in Bangkok, Thailand. One remaining store is operational there.
