Business / Corporate Jan 3, 2022
Convenience stores in Japan reforming business models for growth
Product redesigns and in-store kitchens are on the cards for the country's three largest chains.
Business / Corporate Nov 3, 2021
FamilyMart launches new brand after sparking gender controversy
The move comes after students gathered 7,268 signatures in an online petition over the former brand, although the company says it had already decided on a switch.
Business / Corporate Oct 21, 2021
FamilyMart plans to open unmanned convenience stores at post offices in tie-up
The popular convenience store chain will open the first such outlet with an unmanned checkout counter by the end of this month in the city of Kawagoe, in Saitama Prefecture.
Business / Corporate Sep 12, 2021
FamilyMart to open 1,000 stores with unstaffed checkout counters by 2025
The firm will open the outlets mainly in depopulated areas with few retail stores and in front of train stations, as the outlets can be operated at low costs and be set up in small spaces.
Business Jul 20, 2021
Sales at convenience stores in June rose 0.8% from a year before to ¥856.5 billion on a same-store basis, up for the fourth consecutive month, the Japan Franchise Association said Tuesday. The sales growth, which followed a tumble in June last year in the wake ...
Business Jul 5, 2021
The three main chains have adopted different strategies, raising expectations that they will move away from the industry norm of operating almost identical stores.
People | 20 QUESTIONS May 9, 2021
Conbini Boys: ‘The konbini plays such an important role in society’
by Patrick St. Michel
Are nationalized convenience stores in Japan’s future? Maybe! You’ll have to ask the fried chicken-loving duo behind the “Conbini Boys” podcast.
Business / Corporate Mar 31, 2021
FamilyMart to open outlet with unmanned payment system and one employee
Over 40 cameras at the store will identify items picked up and held by customers, who will pay after standing in a zone where the bill is calculated automatically, the firm said.
Business / Corporate Mar 14, 2021
Japan's push for less plastic use has some businesses concerned
An official of a major restaurant operator expressed concerns that charges on plastic spoons and other items may lead to restaurants losing delivery service customers.
Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Jan 30, 2021
There’s a mini Mexican food moment happening in Japan’s convenience stores
by Patrick St. Michel
Pro tip for any konbini giving tacos (or burritos) a try: Don’t serve them cold.
Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Jan 24, 2021
It’s a fried food showdown between FamilyMart and Lawson
by Patrick St. Michel
It’s the time of year where we all crave stick-to-your-ribs snacks, and “Konbini Watch” investigates the two chains’ latest offerings.
