On Mon, 8 Jul 2002 21:48:25 -0700 Tosh wrote:
First off, there were no Japanese coffee shops to be replaced (a really insignificant number) Coffee houses are a very new phenomena in Japan and what you are seeing is a springing up and not a supplantation. And unlike the Europeans who fight not to have malls erected in thier countries, the Japanese vehemently applaud the installation of the Kentucky-fried-Gap culture.
Actually I think coffee houses or cafes have been in Tokyo since the 1930's. On your statement that the Japanese applaud the Starbucks/Gap culture -perhaps you are correct. But it still makes me sad.
Talking about McDonald in France, there is the strange story on how it started (late '70s/early '80s). First, the American staff at McDonald did not believe that their fast food chain could succeed in France. They were convinced that French people would snob their food. A person in France approached McDonald to open a franchise in Paris. Since the American staff was convinced that it would be a failure, they did not care about the contract and let the guy open one McDonald in Paris. To the surprise of many, the fast food store became a total success. Realizing their mistake, the American staff tried to renego- ciate the contract (don't remember the details), and a legal battle ensued which lasted many years. During that time, you could not find any McDonald in Paris, but most of the other chains were established. Finally, McDonald was able to settle the dispute and McDonald fast food restaurant were finally opened all over France. How can you talk about evil corporation with such story :-). Patrice.