

The store was crowded with many customers, including company workers coming for shopping during their lunch breaks. Those who wanted the help of store assistants had to take a number and wait for their turn. A store worker said during the busiest hours of the evening this week, the number of people waiting for help reached over 70, making them wait for about an hour before being helped.

Private research firm GfK Japan said overall sales of flat-screen TVs in November were five to six times higher than during November of last year. At Yodobashi Camera outlets, around 70 percent of flat-TVs are out of stock, and almost all products are on at least one to two months backorder, some on three months backorder.
Consumers are required to complete their purchase payments by the end of November to receive the full amount of eco-points. "We are experiencing a jump in sales and customers like that of the year-end shopping season," said one Bic Camera employee. (The Mainichi Daily)