Explanation of Efforts to Review Operation of Convenience Stores National Experts Study Group October 29, 14:26
A national expert study group was held to discuss issues facing convenience stores such as labor shortages, and convenience store companies explained their efforts to review operations such as promoting shorter-time sales.
Convenience stores are facing serious labor shortages and soaring labor costs.The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry compiled a report in February to encourage the strengthening of support for affiliated stores, and the Fair Trade Commission last month. However, the headquarters strongly recommends the member stores to purchase the products, which may violate the Antimonopoly Act, and requires each company to carry out self-inspection and improvement.
At the national expert study meeting held on the 29th, the presidents of convenience stores attended and reported on the ongoing efforts.
From the presidents of each company, as a response to labor shortages, it will be possible for the member store owners to switch to shorter-time business, which is not open 24 hours a day, and the member stores will bear the burden of so-called royalties paid to the headquarters. Efforts to reduce it to make it lighter were reported.
In response to this, while the committee members expressed their appreciation, they requested a polite explanation when renewing the contract with the owner of the member store, and promoted the digitization of store management to reduce the burden on the site. There was also an opinion.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will continue to verify the efforts of each company and encourage improvements.