Business / Corporate Oct 30, 2020
Ex-head of Don Quijote parent suspected of misconduct over shares
The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission raided related locations in November 2019 and summer this year.
Business / Corporate Oct 22, 2020
FamilyMart shareholders approve Itochu taking convenience store private
FamilyMart Co. shareholders on Thursday approved a plan for trading house Itochu Corp. to take the convenience store operator private as the coronavirus pandemic prompts a strategic rethink on how to compete in a shrinking domestic market and plans for overseas expansion. Following the approval ...
Business / Corporate Sep 3, 2020
Japan's convenience stores are told to stop pushing 24-hour schedules
by Ben Dooley and Hisako Ueno
The firms' business models have been criticized for putting profit ahead of the needs of franchise owners.
Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Aug 8, 2020
Add some sparkle to your summer with Sake Tonic
by Patrick St. Michel
The best new sake arrival of the season is FamilyMart's limited-edition Sake Tonic — smooth, citrusy and alarmingly easy to drink.
Business Aug 5, 2020
More Japan convenience store customers skipping plastic bags to save a few yen
Over 70 percent of shoppers at outlets of three major Japanese convenience store operators declined to pay for plastic shopping bags in July, according to data from the companies. Since July 1, all retailers across the country have been obliged to charge for disposable plastic ...
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 ...