FamilyMart news

Japan’s second largest convenience chain, FamilyMart, has launched its own smartphone payment system today (July 1). Convenience for shoppers The app, FamiPay, allows customers to conveniently pay for goods via their smartphones. It will eventually integrate FamiPort services, e.g. pay parking fees, bills and tickets via the app. To encourage usage, the retailer will rebate (for the firs...

FamilyMart is reportedly suing to end its partnership with Taiwanese conglomerate Ting Hsin Group in China. Dispute over royalties and visibility FamilyMart has accused Ting Hsin of failing to arrange a fair share for profits it earned from its business in China, and not providing adequate information on the venture’s profitability. More about the partnership FamilyMart first establis...

Phoenix Petroleum, owned by Dennis Uy, is acquiring Circle K in the Philippines. Acquisition through Philippines FamilyMart Phoenix Petroleum’s subsidiary Philippine FamilyMart CVS Inc. is in the process of acquiring Circle K in the Philippines. The acquisition aims to help FamilyMart drive future growth, with Circle K stores set to be rebranded to the FamilyMart banner over the next few mo...

The three leading convenience store chains in Japan are facing increasing challenges to hiring staff for their stores. Labour shortages driven by the country's ageing population is deepening and retailers opening new stores require new workers. Discounts and benefits for workers The current approach for many convenience store operators is to incentivise workers with benefits and discounts. ...

We round up the latest trading updates and news for Japan's four largest retailers, Seven & i Holdings, FamilyMart UNY, Lawson and AEON. Seven & i posts 12.5% increase in revenue Seven & i Holdings has released a strong set of annual results (ending 28 February 2019), posting a 12.5% increase in operating revenue to JPY6,791.2bn (US$60.7bn), with operating income up 5.1% to JPY411.5bn (US$3...

AEONs Maxvalu in Hiroshima and a handful of 7-Eleven stores are reducing their operating hours in Japan. Maxvalu in Hiroshima ending 24-hour operations Maxvalu Nishinihon, a Hiroshima-based subsidiary of AEON, is ending 24-hour operations for 25 stores later this month. The company plans to refocus its staff members' attention on improving customer service. The move should also help the bus...

FamilyMart plans to open an additional 300 stores across Malaysia.  Room for growth in convenience channel QL Resources, the operator of FamilyMart Malaysia, has reaffirmed its plans to open an additional 300 stores in Malaysia. The retailer opened 30 stores in the country during the previous financial year and another 90 stores in this financial year, ending 31 March 2019. Chia Song Kun...

American manufacturer and distributor Avery Dennison has announced that it will work with the Japanese government to drive RFID technology roll-out in convenience stores across Japan. Roll-out across Japan by 2025 We have already seen some of the leading convenience operators, e.g. Lawson launch new style checkouts in recent years. This latest announcement should help accelerate the roll-ou...

FamilyMart is launching a discount meals program in over 2,000 stores across Japan. FamilyMart children's restaurant Famima Kodomo Shokudo (FamilyMart children’s restaurant) aims to support low-income families with discounted meals. The new initiative will allow children and their parents access to meals, desserts and beverages at prices of JPY100 (US$0.9) for elementary school pupils, and ...

FamilyMart has launched its first laundry-convenience store in the Sanchong District of New Taipei, Taiwan. A multipurpose convenience store FamilyMart's new laundry convenience store, which opened last month, operates approx. 140 sq m. The store is fitted with five all-in-one washer-dryers, a service support/payment counter, an area for daily consumables, cigarettes, and more. The retailer...