In the UK Yamaha is available in the (As you call them) Big Box Stores, but only up to about the PSR340. Any model more above this is limited to the dedicated Music Stores, possibly a policy of Yamaha Marketing.
If it is true about Technics Brand Name,which initially they started with their HI-Fi, reverting their name back to Panasonic they will be going down the wrong path and will destroy their credibility.

Graham UK