FamilyMart Japan investing in New Labour Technology
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Japanese convenience store FamilyMart Holdings is preparing to invest ¥25 billion (US$223 million) on labour-saving technologies.
The firm will partner with tech firm Panasonic to introduce self check-out, digital displays and other similar devices which automate procedures traditionally undertaken by staff.
The investment is intended to serve the brand’s franchisees who have been burdened with high labour costs in order to keep stores open around the clock.
Both FamilyMart and its larger competitor 7-Eleven have felt pressured to let go of their 24-hour store policies in the face of a tightening labour market.
They are also looking at other ways to ease the financial burden on franchisees.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the purpose of FamilyMart's ¥25 billion investment?
What is the purpose of FamilyMart's ¥25 billion investment?
The investment aims to introduce labour-saving technologies like self check-out and digital displays. This is intended to ease the burden of high labour costs on the brand's franchisees, allowing them to maintain round-the-clock operations.
Q.Which company is FamilyMart partnering with for this technology rollout?
Which company is FamilyMart partnering with for this technology rollout?
FamilyMart is partnering with the tech firm Panasonic to implement these new labour-saving technologies. Panasonic will provide the self check-out systems, digital displays, and other automated devices.
Q.Why are FamilyMart and 7-Eleven reconsidering their 24-hour store policies?
Why are FamilyMart and 7-Eleven reconsidering their 24-hour store policies?
Both FamilyMart and 7-Eleven are feeling pressure to abandon their 24-hour policies due to a tightening labour market. The high labour costs required to keep stores open continuously are burdening franchisees.
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