Japan is well known for its convenient lifestyle. You can find over 50,000 convenience stores across Japan that operate 24 hours a day and 365 days days a year.
Since the first convenience store established in 1974, it has become an essential existence in everyday life. The distance to a convenience store is often used as an appealing point in rental apartment advertisement. While convenience stores are already concentrated in Tokyo, many people prefer to have one within a couple minutes by foot.
More Than Just Groceries
Besides groceries and basic medications, you can find ATM and printing service in Japan’s convenience stores.
While all stores provide restrooms that are free to use (even for non-customers), some locations offer an eat-in space for customers to enjoy a light snack and take a break.
In recent years, convenience stores partner up with shipping companies and post office. – No worries if you cannot make it to the post office during its business hours. You can just drop off your package at a nearby convenience store.
Labor Shortage and High Operation Cost
The convenience of such service is undeniable. However, there are also voices that suggest 24-hour operation is unnecessary.
Labor shortage is emerging in all industries in Japan due to aging population and the continuous decline of birth rate. Many convenience store franchise owners find it difficult to hire staff working night shift. One of the three major convenience store chains in Japan, Seven-Eleven, is working on shortening their business hours in selected locations.
Another factor that triggers the revision is the operation cost in comparison to profit. The number of customers visiting convenience store at late night has dropped in recent years. It is becoming more difficult for owners to maintain their store with a slim profit margin.
Digital Approach
One solution to labor shortage is the introduction of self-checkout. In fact, Lawson, another major convenience store chain, has installed such system last year. Customers scan the barcode of products and pay by digital money or credit cards. Lawson announced that they will be installing a system in which customers can scan and complete the checkout process with their smartphones.
