TOKYO--()--Aeon Fantasy Co., Ltd.(TOKYO:4343):
Domestic Business
Efforts to improve profitability through continuous upgrades which cater to the customer base of individual stores have been ongoing since last year. These include the rejuvenation of the children's sector, and the introduction of a membership system in which seniors accompanied by grandchildren are rewarded with points. Three different models of innovative game machines were also developed, each adorned with the company's original characters. 300 units have been installed in 100 stores, and are extremely popular.
Going forward, the revitalization of existing stores with attentive support for each individual store continues in tandem with the development of original games.
Moreover, with the addition of two new stores, domestically there are currently 318 stores.
Overseas Business
In regards to overseas operations, which will be included in our consolidated results from the current fiscal year, China and Malaysia have made positive strides. In business performance, due to cost compression achieved in the opening of Aeon Fantasy Beijing, and positive results from the renovation of the existing Aeon Fantasy Malaysia, the forecasted business loss has been reduced. Store openings include two new stores in each country; currently there are 6 stores in China, and 22 in Malaysia. We will continue to expand the number of new store openings.
In May, a new subsidiary was established in Thailand to foster growth in the ASEAN region. We are planning to open the first shop by the end of the year.
The impact of these efforts, for the consolidated cumulative period for the first quarter showed sales of 10.707 billion yen; operating profit of 603 million yen; ordinary profit of 599 million yen; and quarterly net profit of 269 million yen.
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