What: Seven & I Holdings plan to sell SOGO and Seibu as part of a strategy to shift its focus on, 7-Eleven Japan Co.

Why is it important: Sogo & Seibu was reported to have been struggling since the pandemic as consumers went online and operating hours of physical stores were impacted by regulations.

While Seven & I has not confirmed a sale process, it stated it was looking into all possibilities regarding changes to the business portfolio, including the sale of shares in Sogo & Seibu.

The sale of Sogo & Seibu follows campaigning by institutional investors who want to see the company focus on its core convenience-store business, but it comes in the midst of a moderate recovery in Japan’s department store market.

Seven & I Holdings to sell Sogo & Seibu