Topic Reading-Vol.2625-6/19/2019
0422-27-5366
〒180-0006 東京都武蔵野市中町2-3-5 IIHA武蔵野1階
電話受付/月〜金 9:00-18:00
Topic Reading-Vol.2625-6/19/2019
0422-27-5366
〒180-0006 東京都武蔵野市中町2-3-5 IIHA武蔵野1階
電話受付/月〜金 9:00-18:00
Topic Reading-Vol.2625-6/19/2019
Dear MEL Topic Readers,
The unique culture of Japan’s convenience store
There are over 57,000 convenience stores in Japan, whose population is about 126 million. That is about one convenience store for every 2,200 persons, or every 900 households. About 90 percent of those stores are franchise outlets of three giants, Seven-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart, all of which also own and run many stores abroad.
Most of Japan’s convenience stores are open 24/7 and essential for people’s daily lives.
First, they sell foods and daily necessities of good quality. Neatly-packaged chips and ice cream, freshly-made sandwiches and rice balls, and instore-fried nuggets and broiled chicken are just a few examples. You can eat three meals a day at their eat-in counter without getting tired of the food variety. And of course, you can find toilet paper and toothpaste, socks and underwear, liquors of any kind and freshly brewed ice or hot café latte. In fact, they stock over 3,000 items in their tiny floor space.
Second, they introduce about 100 new items every month. The above-mentioned prime food items are constantly refreshed their taste and flavor to entice repeat customers. New snacks and drinks are put on the shelves almost daily (and removed quickly if they don’t sell fast enough to meet their expectations).
Third, they offer convenience. You can buy concert or plane tickets, pay taxes and utility bills, send or receive packages, withdraw cash or transfer money, and use the toilet. You don’t worry about if they have what you need or not. Just get in there and ask or find what you need.
Lastly, they serve as lifeline and security. Some people use convenience stores as their fridge and stock room especially for those who live with limited space. Also, they are equipped with security hotline to protect their employees and report any emergency especially late at night. In case you are followed by someone, find a suspicious person, or see an accident or trouble, just get there and ask for help.
Indeed, convenience stores are working hard for not only their profit but also people’s benefit. Without convenience stores, the lives in Japan don’t seem to be sustained any longer.
Enjoy reading and learn what commercial enterprises can do for people’s lives.
http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20190610-the-unique-culture-of-japanese-convenience-stores
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