Department stores see move from exemptions to refunds hitting demand for high-end goods Japan's roughly 64,000 tax-free shops are preparing to transition from tax exemptions to refunds for foreign customers.
Department stores see move from exemptions to refunds hitting demand for high-end goods Japan's roughly 64,000 tax-free shops are preparing to transition from tax exemptions to refunds for foreign customers. (Photo by Hazumu Urushiyama) TOKYO -- Japan is set to overhaul its tax-free shopping rules for foreign visitors in November to combat domestic reselling, but some retailers worry the new refund process may deter big spenders.