Specialty stores that promote regional areas are increasingly shuttering due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, high rents and the popularity of online shopping.
Many such outlets -- known as "antenna shops" in Japanese -- are based in the Tokyo metropolitan area. They are usually operated by regions across the nation to disseminate information on their respective specialties and tourist spots. Now, however, these stores are suffering from a decline in foot traffic, forcing regions to review their promotional strategies.
