ITmedia Mobile's weekly top 10 featured a report on the decline of multi-carrier retailers in urban areas. The spread of SIM-free devices and the growing use of online purchasing were cited as reasons for the decline.
Among the 10 articles with the highest weekly access figures announced by ITmedia Mobile, the top article covered the decline in multi-carrier retailers, which sell mobile devices from multiple carriers. It described the current state of these retailers and the factors behind the decline, including the experiences of a long-serving store employee.
In Tokyo's 23 wards and the Tama area, multi-carrier retailers were once commonly found near train stations, with several stores competing against one another. The report noted that their number has now declined.
Factors cited for the decline included the growing trend of purchasing SIM-free devices from consumer electronics retailers and signing up for mobile network contracts through online shops. Online purchases can also reduce fees. Multi-carrier retailers continue to be valued for their ability to help customers compare and discuss plans from multiple carriers.