Reported by Star-Bulletin staff & wire
Thursday, November 27, 1997
Kauai auto dealer adds truck rentals
A Kauai automobile dealer has expanded its services with a new truck rental operation.King Auto Center in Lihue said a 77 percent increase in the availability of Chrysler trucks in Chrysler's Southern California-Hawaii zone made rentals viable.
Charlie King, president, said it is also a result of a growing demand for trucks, which he believes is an indicator that the Kauai economy in improving.
Aston offering younger 'seniors' discounts
Hoping to attract members of an age group who usually won't be looking for "senior citizen" discounts, Aston Hotels & Resorts is promoting "50+ rates." The company is offering more than 25 percent off room rates for travelers 50 and older.Valarie Sakanoi, Aston director of marketing services, said research shows that those over 60 will ask for discounts while those under that age, especially in the 50-54 group, might not ask.
Aston is launching a print advertising campaign with a new twist on fibbing about age. Young adults and children are seen claiming "I'm 50," to get the discount.
Tokyo stock market posts strong recovery
TOKYO -- Hopes that public money will be used to cope with Japanese financial firms' bad loan mess boosted Tokyo share prices today, but policymakers face an uphill battle to repair confidence in the financial sector.Tokyo share prices rose steadily from the start to close up a hefty 3.48 percent or 557.65 points -- the fifth-largest gain in points this year -- at 16,603.20.
A rare statement of assurance by the Bank of Japan and the Finance Ministry yesterday eased jitters sparked by a recent string of financial failures, including Monday's collapse of "Big Four" brokerage Yamaichi Securities Co. "The financial system is the basis of the economy and society. We will take all possible measures to ensure its stability," the joint statement said.
Japan commission raids Nike's Tokyo office
TOKYO -- The Fair Trade Commission yesterday raided the headquarters of the Japanese subsidiary of Nike Inc. and nearly 30 other outlets affiliated with the U.S. sport shoe manufacturer on suspicion of violating the Antimonopoly Law.According to FTC sources, Nike Japan Corp. allegedly instructed retailers to maintain prices of its Nike running shoes despite its recent decline in popularity.
Nike Japan is suspected of having stopped shipments of its shoes to those retailers not amenable to its instructions to prevent a fall in prices, the sources said.