Business / Tech Jul 19, 2020
Japanese robot to clock in at a convenience store in test of retail automation
by Tim Kelly
FamilyMart hopes to have robots working in 20 stores around Tokyo by 2022.
Business / Corporate Jul 8, 2020
Itochu planning ¥600 billion bid for Japan’s FamilyMart chain
Trading companies have been increasing their stakes in the country’s biggest convenience store operators as a way to diversify business.
Food & Drink Jul 8, 2020
Remote-controlled robots to join FamilyMart’s workforce this summer
by Claire Williamson
Created by Tokyo-based robotics firm Telexistence, FamilyMart workers will be able to control the robots from afar to help stock shelves.
Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH May 30, 2020
Salted egg potato chips: Rich, crispy and craveable
by Patrick St. Michel
One recent food fad in Singapore has been salted duck-egg potato chips. Now, snack maker Calbee has gotten in on the action.
Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH May 9, 2020
The quest for cute convenience store character sweets
by Patrick St. Michel
Sometimes a slight sacrifice in overall “aww” factor is worth it for a dessert that actually tastes good.
Business / Corporate Feb 7, 2020
Japan panel urges convenience stores to shorten hours and lower labor cost burden
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 ...
National Dec 30, 2019
Seven-Eleven Japan's termination of contract seen as move to expel Higashiosaka owner
The store owner made headlines earlier this year for halting round-the-clock operations because he couldn’t find anyone willing to work late hours.
Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Dec 28, 2019
Festive sweets to ring in the new year
by Patrick St. Michel
Convenience stores have your cravings covered this new year with a selection of festive fruit- and cheese-based sweets.
Business / Corporate Nov 15, 2019
FamilyMart to allow shorter operating hours at stores across Japan
Convenience store operator FamilyMart Co. has said it will allow its franchise owners across Japan to shorten operating hours from March, in a bid to address a severe labor shortage during late-night hours. Under the new policy, which will cover nearly 16,000 stores, franchise owners ...
Editorials Nov 2, 2019
The convenience store industry must rethink its 24-hour business model.
Business / Corporate Oct 22, 2019
Seven-Eleven Japan to end some 24-hour operations amid labor crunch
Seven-Eleven Japan Co. is ending 24-hour operations at some outlets, becoming the first major convenience store operator to scale back around-the-clock hours to address Japan's labor crunch. Eight stores will begin cutting back on their operating hours on Nov. 1, because they are finding it ...
Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Oct 12, 2019
Simple works best for FamilyMart's Earl Grey-themed collab
by Patrick St. Michel
FamilyMart's new lineup of elegant Earl Grey-flavored desserts aim to spruce up your post-lunch snacking.