AEON’S Hiroshima Fair Targets 30% Growth

Bringing back the Japanese art and culture for the third time, AEON CO. (M) BHD, today, launched the Hiroshima Product Fair at AEON Bandar Utama. Mr. Takeda Akihiko, Commerce, Industry and Labor Bureau overseas business manager Hiroshima Prefecture,officially inaugurated the event amidst a colourful, cultural opening ceremony.

 The Hiroshima Fair is a collaboration between AEON and Hiroshima prefecture government and is supported by 17 suppliers from Hiroshima Japan. The objective of this event is to promote Japanese culture, culinary and lifestyle.

This year AEON is targeting 30% growth compared to last year. More than 100 variety of products will be showcased at the fair including nine new brands and 37 products such as “HiyashiAme“, a traditional Japanese drink, “Castella”, a Japanese sponge cake, and “Convenience Miso soup”. For those who are interested in learning the fine art of sushi bento making, there will also be a culinary demonstration by AEON’s very own experienced chef.

“Famous for being the origin of many Japanese cuisines, this fair will feature food tasting session to give visitors a tasteful experience of the city’s finest delicacies. The Okonomiyaki and Oyster are a must try. Our “Haruka” is one of the most unique citrus which is sweet and juicy,” said Mr.Takeda Akihiko Commerce at the event.

Besides Japanese food, the fair will also showcase the famous make up brush in the world, “Kumano-Fuda”. To further enhance ones experience of what it is like strolling in the city of Hiroshima, each visitors will stand a chance to win a lucky draw for a trip to the beautiful city of Hiroshima itself. By just spending RM20 in a single receipt at the Hiroshima Fair, a lucky grand prize winner will have the privilege of exploring the heritage of Hiroshima.

"It is my hope that there will be more of these fairs in the future as it will help foster closer ties and greater understanding of our different cultures,” said Hiroko Yamada, the Assistant General Manager of Merchandising Division at AEON CO. (M) BHD. The Hiroshima fair will be happening at both AEON Bandar Utama and AEON MidValley starting from today to 9 April 2014. 

Hiroshima Prefecture is situated in the south western part of Japan’s main island of Honshu with a total land area of 8,479 km2 and a population of about 2.9 million people. The prefecture’s geography is generally mountainous. The Western Chugoku Mountain Range is comprised of a series of mountains at least 1,000 meters in elevation in the northern part of the prefecture. In addition, clear river gorges, scenic new growth in the spring, and the beautiful colors of fall spread over a vast area. To the south, the prefecture borders the Seto Inland Sea, an area dotted with countless islands both large and small creating a panorama of island beauty. 

In December of 1996, Hiroshima City’s Atomic Bomb Dome as well as Miyajima Island’s Itsukushima Shrine  were registered as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Atomic Bomb Dome, the building directly over which the atomic bomb exploded, has been accurately preserved since the aftermath of the explosion. Itsukushima Shrine, constructed in the Heian Era Shinden-style, is an artistic and technical masterpiece, appearing to floatupon the surface of the sea at high tide. For more information please visit http://www.hiroshima-navi.or.jp/

AEON CO. (M) BHD. is a leading General Merchandise Stores (GMS) cum supermarket chain in Malaysia, being the country’s leading retailer with 27 AEON outlets and 4 MaxValu supermarkets across the country. In the spirit of the name AEON, which means eternity in Latin, AEON’s goal is to work together endlessly with its customers, suppliers, business partners, shareholders and the community towards creating a future of limitless promises. Incorporated in 1984 in response to the Malaysian Government’s invitation to help modernize the country’s retailing industry, AEON’s chain of stores across peninsular Malaysia strives to satisfy the ever changing needs and desires of consumers. Guided by its “Customer First” philosophy, the company’s acute understanding of their target market needs, aided by optimal product-mix, AEON strives to surpass consumer expectations and enhance their experience every time they shop. Hence their tagline “AEON Enriching Your Lifestyle”.

AEON strongly supports environmental sustainability. It actively supports various causes, including recycling, energy conservation and tree planting, engaging and encouraging various parties, including staff, customers, NGOs, government agencies and the community at large. 

2014 marks a significant milestone for AEON CO. (M) BHD. with 30 years of excellence to boast, by staying relevant and competitive in the dynamic market. In commemorating its 30^th anniversary, the celebration will continue to enrich lives of Malaysians and growing the nation with passion, love and inspiration. For more information, you can visit www.aeonretail.com.my