Convenience stores have long been known for spotting the latest demographic and consumer trends and turning a hefty profit from them. Now they are focusing their attention on the burgeoning elderly population.
Some stores have set up spaces for their older customers to take a load off their feet. Others have taken a page from the past, making the rounds in the neighborhood to take orders from those for whom a trip to the store is an ordeal.
One Lawson Inc. outlet in Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture, recently underwent a face-lift and reopened in July. It now sells sweets, health food and hearing aid batteries tailored to the needs of older customers.