Cosmetics giant Shiseido on Thursday said it will offer early retirement packages to about 1,500 employees, or almost 12 percent of its workforce in Japan. The move is part of what the company calls a business transformation plan to raise profitability in its domestic operations.

Shiseido says the packages will be available to employees who have worked at Shiseido Japan for 20 years or more and are aged 45 or older. The buyouts will be available from mid-April to early May and reemployment assistance will be provided on request.

Shiseido says the restructuring includes cutting costs at domestic operations, expanding online sales and strengthening the competitive advantage of its brands.