FamilyMart: A Japanese Convenience Store Chain with Global Presence
Have you ever visited a FamilyMart store? If you live in Japan, Taiwan, China, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, or Malaysia, chances are you have seen or shopped at one of these stores. FamilyMart is a Japanese convenience store franchise chain that has more than 24,500 stores worldwide. It is the second largest convenience store chain in Japan, behind 7-Eleven. But what makes FamilyMart different from other convenience stores? How did it become so successful and popular? In this article, we will explore the history, products, services, benefits, and challenges of FamilyMart.
What is FamilyMart and how did it start?
The origin and concept of FamilyMart
FamilyMart was founded in 1973 by Seibu Retailing Group, a Japanese department store company. It was designed as a modern and innovative retail model, based on the concept of convenience store. The name "FamilyMart" was chosen to reflect the idea of "family relationship" and "growing and developing together".[1] The first store opened in Sayama, Japan in 1981.[2]
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The expansion and growth of FamilyMart
Since its inception, FamilyMart has expanded its business both domestically and internationally. In Japan, it has over 16,000 stores as of July 2021.[1] It also operates in eight other countries, with Taiwan being the largest market with over 3,600 stores.[1] FamilyMart has also partnered with local companies to enter new markets, such as Indonesia and Malaysia.[3][4] In 2020, FamilyMart became a subsidiary of Itochu, a Japanese trading company.[5]
What are the products and services offered by FamilyMart?
The variety and quality of food and beverages
One of the main attractions of FamilyMart is its wide range of food and beverages. It offers fresh and delicious items that cater to different tastes and preferences. Some of the popular products include omusubi (rice balls), hot snacks, refrigerated meals, oden (stew), coffee and frappe beverages, bread and dessert, salad, and more.[6] FamilyMart also sells local specialties and seasonal products to suit the customers' needs. For example, in Vietnam, it offers banh mi (sandwiches), do hap (steamed dumplings), hot pot ingredients, etc.[7]
The convenience and innovation of non-food items
Besides food and beverages, FamilyMart also provides various non-food items that make life easier and more enjoyable for customers. For instance, it sells grocery items, household goods, stationery, magazines, books, etc. It also offers convenient services such as ATM machines, bill payment, ticket reservation, delivery service, etc.[8] Moreover, FamilyMart is constantly innovating its products and services to meet the changing demands of customers. For example, it has introduced solar power systems,[9] automatic cashiers,[10] online shopping platforms,[11] etc.
What are the benefits and challenges of FamilyMart?
The advantages of being a FamilyMart customer
As a customer of FamilyMart, you can enjoy many benefits that make your shopping experience more satisfying. Some of these benefits are:
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You can access a variety of products and services at any time of the day or night.
You can find high-quality products at reasonable prices.
You can join loyalty programs that offer discounts and rewards.
You can experience friendly and helpful service from the staff.
You can support environmental and social causes that FamilyMart participates in.
The difficulties of being a FamilyMart franchisee
While being a FamilyMart customer has many advantages, being a FamilyMart franchisee can be challenging. Some of the difficulties that franchisees face are:
You have to pay high initial and ongoing fees to the franchisor.
You have to follow strict rules and regulations set by the franchisor.
You have to compete with other convenience store chains and online retailers.
You have to deal with labor shortages and high turnover rates.
You have to cope with changing consumer preferences and market trends.
Conclusion
FamilyMart is a Japanese convenience store chain that has a global presence. It offers a variety of products and services that cater to different needs and preferences of customers. It also strives to innovate and improve its business model to stay ahead of the competition. However, being a FamilyMart franchisee can be challenging, as it requires high investment, compliance, and adaptation. Whether you are a customer or a franchisee of FamilyMart, you can enjoy the benefits and overcome the challenges of this convenience store chain.
FAQs
What is the difference between FamilyMart and 7-Eleven?
FamilyMart and 7-Eleven are both Japanese convenience store chains that operate worldwide. However, they have some differences in their products, services, and strategies. For example, FamilyMart focuses more on fresh food and beverages, while 7-Eleven offers more packaged and processed items. FamilyMart also tends to target urban and upscale customers, while 7-Eleven caters to a wider range of customers.[12]
How can I become a FamilyMart franchisee?
To become a FamilyMart franchisee, you need to meet certain requirements and follow certain steps. The requirements may vary depending on the country or region you want to operate in, but generally they include having sufficient capital, experience, location, and motivation. The steps may also differ depending on the franchisor's policies, but generally they include submitting an application, attending an interview, signing a contract, undergoing training, and opening a store.[13]
How can I contact FamilyMart customer service?
If you have any questions or complaints about FamilyMart products or services, you can contact their customer service through various channels. You can call their toll-free number, send them an email, fill out an online form, or visit their website or social media pages. You can also talk to the staff at any FamilyMart store near you.[14]
What are some of the environmental and social initiatives of FamilyMart?
FamilyMart is committed to contributing to the environment and society through various initiatives. Some of these initiatives are reducing plastic waste, promoting renewable energy, supporting local communities, donating to charities, providing disaster relief, etc.[15]
What are some of the future plans of FamilyMart?
FamilyMart has several plans for the future to enhance its business performance and customer satisfaction. Some of these plans are expanding its online presence, developing new products and services, collaborating with other companies, entering new markets, etc.[16] 44f88ac181