The density of convenience stores in Japan is very high, and the stores offer new products and services. Which brand is the most popular among Japanese people? Surveys show that “7-Eleven” ranks first in Japan in popularity and number of stores.
TOKYO, JAPAN (Periodical News) – Convenience stores play a crucial role in the daily lives of many Japanese individuals, offering essential services such as food, household items, printing facilities, and bill payments on a 24-hour basis. With approximately 80% of the Japanese population visiting these establishments at least once a week, the proximity of convenience stores to residential areas has become a pivotal factor in housing selection. Japan’s convenience store landscape is characterized by a dense distribution, with brands continuously striving to innovate and capture market share. Surveys indicate that “7-Eleven” is the preferred convenience store brand among Japanese consumers, closely followed by FamilyMart and Lawson. These findings highlight the intense competition within the convenience store industry, with brands constantly introducing new products and services to meet consumers’ dynamic needs and preferences.
According to a recent survey conducted by LINE RESEARCH among Japanese people aged 10 to 60 years old, half of the respondents said that the number one convenience store they like most is “7-Eleven”, accounting for 48.7%, followed by “FamilyMart,” accounting for 20.2% , “Lawson” ranked third, accounting for 18.9. As of the end of March 2024, 7-Eleven is also the convenience store with the most significant number of stores, with 21,544 stores in Japan. The second place is FamilyMart, with 16,263 stores across Japan; the third place is Lawson, with 14,643 stores.
Judging from the number of stores in each region, 7-Eleven, which ranks first in the country, also ranks first in each area. FamilyMart and Lawson are evenly matched. FamilyMart ranks second in the Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, and Kinki regions. Lawson ranks second in China’s western region, with exceptionally high proportions in China and Shikoku. The most special thing is that in Hokkaido, “Seicomart” stores accounted for 27.1%, ranking second. Seicomart’s first store opened in Sapporo, with over 1,000 stores in Hokkaido alone.
(The number of stores is counted until March 2024) (Chart via Mexwire)
Japanese convenience stores are famous for their clean environment, bright space, and 24-hour operation. 7-Eleven ranks first in terms of popularity, number of stores in Japan, and number of regional stores. What conditions affect the ranking in the minds of consumers? According to statistics from Japan Market Research Agency Co., Ltd., 45% of people go to convenience stores to “buy food.” The deliciousness of the food sold by convenience stores is one of the keys consumers attach great importance to. According to feedback from respondents, 7-Eleven is favored by consumers for its “delicious side dishes and lunch boxes,” “a wide variety of side dishes and lunch boxes,” “a wide variety of products,” and “the coffee tastes good,” which means “Diverse cuisine” is the main reason why 7-Eleven is widely loved by consumers.
According to statistics from the Japanese market research agency, 79% of the respondents said they “go to a convenience store at least once a week,” and more than half will choose the convenience store closest to their home. Therefore, the distance between a house and a convenience store has become a consideration for many renters or home buyers. Japanese real estate agency experts said that when many customers see a house on site, they are most concerned about the distance between their home and a convenience store. If a convenience store is right between the house and the station, it is usually the most popular among renters. For investors, the density and distance of convenience stores around the house are essential to choosing a home.
The number of tourists in Japan continues to soar. People worldwide travel to Japan, and convenience stores have become must-visit stores for many tourists. Many Internet celebrities and Youtubers use the “Must-Buy Foods at Japanese Convenience Stores” theme to introduce the food, snacks, and drinks exclusively launched by various Japanese convenience stores, often setting off a rush to buy. During your trip to Japan, plan one of your meals here, enjoy convenience store lunch boxes and fragrant coffee, deeply experience Japanese food culture, and taste local daily delicacies.
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