The American toymaker is particularly interested in Bandai's interactive toy expertise. NIKE INC.'s subsidiary is putting more emphasis on its golfing products. The Nike affiliate also plans to develop its now-limited women's golfwear business by introducing new lines this fall. Industry analysts estimate that 2,000 DVD titles have been released in Japan since this format arrived on the market at the end of 1996. Catalog shopping just became more convenient for L.L. BEAN INC.'s Japanese customers.
Shoppers also can place their orders by calling a toll-free number.
Perhaps most significantly, L.L. Bean's Tokyo subsidiary is handling all exchanges and returns. Previously, customers had to send merchandise back to the United States. Goods produced by both companies already are available in Japan, but RCP turned to Johnson Professional to expand its local product lineup, while Windsor Industries sought out the firm to increase its marketing channels. It is offering training and advice to people let go, with the goal of helping them find new jobs in a fairly short time. In general, this is a service that the newly unemployed have to pay for themselves.