Chain stores running until midnight and selling goods at lower prices, similar to Wal-Mart in the U.S., opened in Pyongyang in late December, a pro-North Korea newspaper in Japan reported Monday.

The chain stores, named Hwanggumbol Store (hwanggeumbeol sangjeom), first opened in Pyongyang on December 20, the Chosun Sinbo, which is run by a pro-North federation of Korean residents in Japan, reported Monday.