For other uses, please see Daiei (disambiguation).

Daiei Inc.(株式会社ダイエー) is one of Japan's largest supermarket chains, based in Kobe. Daiei Inc. currently runs more than 3,000 stores under the Daiei name as well as through its subsidiaries. [1] Its current CEO is Toshio Hasumi .

In addition to groceries, Daiei is also a department store, selling electronics, home furnishings, and clothes. In terms of net sales, Daiei is the largest retailer in Japan. However, total sales declined by nearly a quarter in the five years leading up to 2003, which can be attributed to Japan's recession.

The retail chain expanded rapidly in the 1970s and 1980s, with some critics noting that the expansion occurred in a rather haphazard manner. Today, the company is on shaky financial ground, with many foreign investors, such as Wal-Mart, interested in buying out a stake in Daiei. [2] Stronger sales from competitors such as Ito-Yokado have also hurt Daiei's sales record in recent years.

The company was the owner of the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks until January 27, 2005.

External link

• The Daiei Inc. Homepage (In Japanese)