Japan news

Fresh from its first ever quarterly profit in Q3 2022, South Korean ecommerce giant Coupang achieved an unprecedented second consecutive quarterly profit in Q4 2022. Focus on efficiency and superior offerings As we had reported after Coupang’s first ever quarterly profit in Q3 2022, its success can be attributed to its efficiency drive and ability to stand out from competitors through its...

Seven & i Holdings, which operates 7-Eleven, has confirmed plans to prioritise its convenience business and invest in its food ranges across its stores.   Divesting from department stores Seven & i is in the process of selling off its unprofitable Sogo & Seibu department unit. This is expected to improve the margins of its overall business in future given the diluting effect its department ...

Developed countries with ageing populations increasingly face labour shortage issues in staffing convenience stores. We take a look at creative strategies in 2022 by Japan’s leading convenience chains to deal with the manpower shortages, while at the same time creating a more unique shopper experience in the store. Technology as a manpower multiplier Amidst a shrinking labour pool, Japan in...

Seven and I Holdings, which operates 7-Eleven, is selling its department store chain Sogo & Seibu to US fund Fortress for US$1.4 bn. Struggling department stores Sogo & Seibu was acquired by Seven & I in 2006. Since 2007, the department store's network has fallen from 28 to 10. Although the department stores' revenue has surged, as sales of fashion and luxury brands rebounded. However, the ...

The current cost-crisis, along with labour challenges, is leading to a new wave of automation at store level. We look at three recent innovations from Japan, Poland and the US. Replenishment: tackling Japan’s labour challenge In Japan, leading convenience store chain, FamilyMart, is partnering with Telexistence to install its AI robot, TX SCARA, in 300 stores. This has been developed ...

Costco’s fourth quarter results revealed a strong finish to the year with total revenue exceeding $220 bn. We look at the factors underlying this performance and what to expect in the year ahead. Fourth quarter and full year key numbers Q4 total revenue up 15.2% to $70.8 bn, with full year revenue up 16% to $222.7 bn Comparable sales for the quarter (ex-fuel and currency impacts) up 1...

While the landscape of labour shortages and rising costs varies across the region, convenience retailers are experimenting with a range of new solutions to tackle their resource challenges. Robots employed to restock at FamilyMart FamilyMart has partnered with start-up Telexistence to introduce stock-checking robots to 300 stores in Japan. The Japan Times reports that each robot can repla...

Protein-alternatives is likely to expand in Asia with innovative products, new ways of distribution and production facilities. 1. Insects in vending machine by Sanpuku Holdings The vending machine which promotes the snacks as "highly nutritious meals of the future," is the first of its kind in western Japan's Shikoku region. There are nine types of insects available including fried crickets...

Co-working spaces, hybrid stores with additional services, and range evolution: three ways leading Asian convenience operators are adapting to meet changing shopper needs as markets emerge from Covid-19. 1. Co-working spaces 7-Eleven in Taiwan has introduced private working spaces above one of its stores in Taoyuan, reports Focus Taiwan. Rates of NTD 100 (USD 3.4) per hour mean the 14 rooms...

Retailers and suppliers are taking small steps to invest in the metaverse in Asia. Get up to speed with the developments through this article and our report here . Indonesia: Alfamart convenience investing in the metaverse Alfamart is collaborating with an AR/VR company to bring the relevant technology to the business. Alfamart and WIR Group have been working together since 2015...