Convenience store chains should consider shortening their business hours, and help franchise owners cover rising labor costs, a government panel said Thursday.
The recommendations come as some franchise owners are struggling to keep convenience stores open 24 hours a day, despite plateauing demand from consumers and a severe shortage of workers.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry had tasked the panel, comprised mostly of academics and business leaders, with drawing up a report on measures that will place the industry on a more sustainable path.