Japan-based department store group Isetan Mitsukoshi was forced to suspend operations at its store in Chengdu in Sichuan province in China due to violent anti-Japan protests. As Japanese retail stores may remain targets of protests, it is uncertain whether Isetan Mitsukoshi can implement store opening plans in China. At present, the retailer operates four Isetan stores in China, including shops in Shanghai and Tianjin. Meanwhile, the opening of a second Tianjin store later this year was shelved as negotiations with local partners failed.