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 | Longform Oct 11, 2021
Japan’s convenience stores look to the future
by Patrick St. Michel
Domestic franchises are struggling to remain relevant as consumer habits change and global competition intensifies.
National / Media | Japan Pulse Aug 10, 2021
The konbini becomes a convenient topic for the foreign press to turn to in an off-limits Tokyo
by Spencer Cohen
Has the rest of the world finally discovered what tens of millions in Japan already know? The "konbini" is no ordinary convenience store.
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.
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 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.
Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Dec 26, 2020
Have a sweet, strawberry end to 2020
by Patrick St. Michel
Need an alternative to the typical Christmas cake? Give these two colorful convenience store desserts a try.
Business / Corporate Dec 16, 2020
Lawson to close 85 stores nationwide over New Year's holidays
In a rare move, the convenience store operator will allow franchise owners to shut stores for several days between Dec. 30 and Jan. 3.
Business Dec 8, 2020
Toyota and convenience stores to test fuel-cell delivery trucks in Japan
Seven-Eleven Japan, FamilyMart and Lawson will use light-duty trucks with a maximum payload of 3 tons being developed by Toyota and its subsidiary Hino Motors.
Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Oct 31, 2020
These convenience store snacks are here to ‘slay’
by Patrick St. Michel
Head to Lawson and you’ll find a range of limited-edition snacks tied to the recent record-breaking movie, “Demon Slayer.”