The Kingdom of Convenience Stores in Japan Stumbles Amid COVID-19 Crisis

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Japanese convenience store industry has been hit hard by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This is attributed to the spread of movement restrictions and telecommuting due to COVID-19.

According to the Japan Franchise Association on the 20th, convenience store sales in April amounted to 778.1 billion yen, a 10.6% decrease compared to the same month last year. This marks the second consecutive month of decline in convenience store sales in Japan.

Due to COVID-19, sales at stores located in offices and tourist areas sharply declined as people refrained from going out and worked from home. It was also found that many stores either temporarily closed or shortened their operating hours.

The number of customers visiting stores also decreased by 18.4% compared to the previous month, marking a decline for two consecutive months. On the other hand, the average spending per customer increased by 9.5%, continuing to rise for seven consecutive months. Demand was mainly high for frozen foods, ready-to-eat meals, and bundled alcoholic beverages.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.