INTRODUCTIONBargain Basement Books has done well with the many bookstores it owns and operates throughout the Midwest. The incredibly discounted prices have attracted many consumers. Bargain Basement Books has struggled to meet the demand for bestselling novels and low-priced children's books. Panama, Japan and Finland have expressed interest in the bookstore chain. In investigating the possibility of a new location, profitability projections are taken into account.BackgroundIncreased sales and demand have caused Bargain Basement Books to seek options to satisfy customer needs. Bargain Basement Books plans to expand its operations by opening one or more additional locations in one of the following international cities: Panama City, Panama; Tokyo, Japan; or Helsinki, Finland.Statement of IntentThe purpose of this report is to analyze and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of expansion in each of the locations chosen by the expansion committee. The report will determine which location will provide the best expansion opportunities for Bargain Basement Books by researching the internal structure of each of the three cities.ScopeThis report will focus on the financial and political aspects, as well as societal considerations, of Panama City , Panama; Tokyo, Japan; and Helsinki, Finland. Topics will include economic conditions, taxes, political stability and culture. A comparison of Panama City, Tokyo and Helsinki was conducted to determine which city would be the best place to open a new Bargain Basement Books. ANALYSIS An analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the economy, stability, taxation and culture of the three cities being...... middle of paper ...... – 0.3% ; City of Tokyo – Commercial premises tax (on floor space), 0.3%; Paid by the employer - Family allowance contribution, 0.2%; National - Stamp tax (on land sale and building extension contracts), 0.1%; Registration and license tax, 0.4%; Tokyo Metropolis – Car tax, 67,100 yen; National - Automobile tonnage tax, 43,200 yen; Interest tax, 20%; Value added tax (VAT), 5%; Fuel tax, 34,140 yen per kiloliter (Doing Business). Culture: Tokyo has a unique culture that is reflected in its traditional arts. The city is the center of a large number of celebrations, rituals, festivals and observances. Japanese people may seem hostile and withdrawn by American standards, but that's because anything non-Japanese is not enthusiastically accepted. The Japanese version of a handshake involves bowing, and it is considered rude not to return a greeting..