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Japan – Convenience store operator Seven-Eleven Japan Co. will begin a trial run of closing some outlets at night in response to growing demands from franchise owners for a greater say in deciding when to stay open.
Some franchise owners were already blasting the move as a publicity stunt since it will only affect 10 outlets that are directly operated by the largest convenience store chain in Japan.
Seven-Eleven Japan has, in principle, pushed for around-the-clock operations at all outlets. The only exceptions are those located within office buildings that are dark at night, and train stations that also close around midnight.
But from mid-March, the 10 outlets in Tokyo and seven prefectures will open only from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., during which time the effects of shorter hours on sales and product delivery will be checked.
An official with Seven & i Holdings Co., the parent company of Seven-Eleven Japan, said the company’s move is aimed at preparing “for social structural changes such as a graying and declining population.”
Source and full English article: The Asahi Shimbun
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201903020042.html
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