Laox lets Chinese tourists Flying to Japan pre-order duty-free
In this article (5)
Tokyo-based duty-free operator Laox is allowing Chinese tourists to Japan to do their tax-free shopping online in advance of their visit.
The duty-free goods will be listed on an Alibaba-hosted website, allowing consumers to purchase their goods online and pick them up at Laox locations of their choice within Japan up to a month following the transaction. Travellers will need to show purchase records on their phone and present their passports to be eligible for tax exemption.
The number of goods available for purchase on the website is expected to grow to about 5000 items from the roughly 100 currently available already.
The service is launching during a period of stagnation in the Chinese tourist market, as Japanese retailers face intensifying competition.
Laox’s strategy is intended to spare shoppers the inconvenience of hunting for the products they want within physical stores. It is the first such scheme hosted on an Alibaba site.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary benefit for Chinese tourists using this new online pre-order service?
What is the primary benefit for Chinese tourists using this new online pre-order service?
The service is designed to save shoppers the hassle of searching for products in physical stores. They can purchase items online in advance and then collect them at a convenient Laox location upon arrival in Japan.
Q.Which company is hosting the website where tourists can pre-order their duty-free goods?
Which company is hosting the website where tourists can pre-order their duty-free goods?
The duty-free goods will be listed on a website hosted by Alibaba. This makes Laox's scheme the first of its kind to be hosted on an Alibaba site, facilitating online purchases for Chinese tourists.
Q.How long after an online transaction can tourists pick up their purchased items in Japan?
How long after an online transaction can tourists pick up their purchased items in Japan?
Tourists can pick up their purchased goods at Laox locations of their choice within Japan for up to a month following the initial online transaction. They must present purchase records and passports for tax exemption.
Q.What is the current state of the Chinese tourist market in Japan during which this service is launching?
What is the current state of the Chinese tourist market in Japan during which this service is launching?
The service is being launched during a period of stagnation in the Chinese tourist market. Japanese retailers are currently experiencing intensifying competition, making this a strategic move for Laox.
Reader pulse
Is Laox's pre-order strategy effective?
15,812 votes so far