Wal-Mart is looking to take control of its second Japanese retailer, and the news for small Japanese merchants couldn’t be worse. The U.S. retailer confirmed this week that it is considering its options to buy into Daiei, Inc. A Wal-Mart spokesman said, “We are assessing potential investment opportunities in Daiei, and have no further comment at this time.” Wal-Mart already owns a controlling interest in Seiyu, another major Japanese retailer. Daiei’s flagging prospects were aided by Wal-Mart’s attention. The Japanese firm reportedly has almost $10 billion in debts. But the American retailer would just further consolidate retail power if it ends up assuming control of a second Japanese company. Japan has eased its anti-big box regulations to make it easier for big stores to come to the country. Smaller retail players worry that Japan will make sushi out of the rest of the indigenous merchant class in Japan.
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