A roundup of business developments spotted...
A roundup of business developments spotted by other publications.
Still Shopping: A recent survey of 25 major Japanese retailers (10 specialty stores, nine department stores and six supermarkets) found that personal consumption continues to rise despite the falling yen, plummeting stocks and bonds and tightening credit. The survey found Japanese consumers buying large refrigerators, air conditioners, minicomponent and ultraminicomponent stereos, golf wear, electric pianos, leather bags and sun protection products. Japan Economic Journal Smokestack Fees: The first effects of the Clean Air Act are being felt in Massachusetts where some incinerator fees at Refuse Energy System Co., owned by Wheelabrator Technologies, will jump 364%, from $22 to $102 a ton. The increase will help pay for retrofitting the incinerator with a scrubber that reduces acid-gas emissions. Some small businesses, which will bear the brunt of the cost increase, are complaining that the device exceeds federal regulations. Milwaukee Journal Sports Drink: Pepsico will test Mountain Dew Sport and Diet Sport in Philadelphia beginning this month. The beverage competes with Quaker Oats’ Gatorade, which holds 98% of the market, and with Coca-Cola’s PowerAde. Philadelphia Business Journal Cable Pricing: Under threat of federal regulation to control broad price increases, some cable system owners have revamped their price structure to charge one rate for basic cable and special fees for other networks now frequently included with basic service. Under the strategy, called tiering, one might pay $12 to $20 per month for Cable News Network, MTV and C-Span, and another $1.40 for ESPN. Denver-based Tele-Communications implemented tiering this year, and other large systems, including Cablevision Systems and Viacom Cable, are developing tiering plans. Denver Post
