Expert on Japan Retail and Consumer Markets, JapanConsuming

Michael Causton

Expert on Japan Retail and Consumer Markets

Real Insight on Japanese Consumer Markets

JapanConsuming

JapanConsuming is a specialist research firm producing intelligence on Japanese retail and consumer markets. Founded in 2000, JapanConsuming has become the leading provider of insights on Japanese retailers and consumer trends to retailers, brands, government agencies and investors. As well as a highly regarded monthly report on the market, JapanConsuming produces in-depth reports on retail sectors, seminars on key trends and telephone consulting to investors on trends and retailers.

JapanConsuming was founded by Michael Causton and Roy Larke. 

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>Three years ago, Itochu Corp made it clear it would be investing heavily in its brand business.</li>
<li>It has been true to its word, adding the likes of Reebok, Under Armour and Forever 21 to its portfolio in the last year alone.</li>
<li>It has now signed a deal with long-term Japan operator, L.L.Bean, while gearing up for a major relaunch of Eddie Bauer.</li>
</ul>


Three years ago, Itochu Corp made it clear it would be investing heavily in its brand business.
It has been true to its word, adding the likes of Reebok, Under Armour and Forever 21 to its portfolio in the last year alone.
It has now signed a deal with long-term Japan operator, L.L.Bean, while gearing up for a major relaunch of Eddie Bauer.


Itochu Signs L.L.Bean License, Gears up Forever 21 and Eddie Bauer Relaunches

<ul>
<li>With three food deliveries a day, convenience stores need to optimise stocks to sell unsold items, most of which have only been on shelves for a few hours.</li>
<li>Most chains deal with this problem manually by offloading the burden of optimal ordering and the cost of unsold stock onto franchisees,</li>
<li>Lawson has a new AI system that can automatically apply markdowns on any item without the need for skilled labour in the store. Gross margins rose 1% in test stores.</li>
</ul>


With three food deliveries a day, convenience stores need to optimise stocks to sell unsold items, most of which have only been on shelves for a few hours.
Most chains deal with this problem manually by offloading the burden of optimal ordering and the cost of unsold stock onto franchisees,
Lawson has a new AI system that can automatically apply markdowns on any item without the need for skilled labour in the store. Gross margins rose 1% in test stores.


<ul>
<li>Convenience stores in Japan aren't known for their fashion prowess although most sell the odd sock and underwear.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/familymart-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:320:1" rel="noopener">FamilyMart Co Ltd (8028 JP)</a> sees an opportunity to both expand sales categories and increase margins with higher value fashion basics supplied by its new parent <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/itochu-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18448:1" rel="noopener">Itochu Corp (8001 JP).</a>
</li>
<li>Itochu is a leading fashion supplier and has created a hit product range for Familymart as well as another in cosmetics.</li>
</ul>


Convenience stores in Japan aren't known for their fashion prowess although most sell the odd sock and underwear.

FamilyMart Co Ltd (8028 JP) sees an opportunity to both expand sales categories and increase margins with higher value fashion basics supplied by its new parent Itochu Corp (8001 JP).

Itochu is a leading fashion supplier and has created a hit product range for Familymart as well as another in cosmetics.


Familymart to Double Space for Hit Clothing Range

<ul>
<li>Poplar is one of the few remaining small CVS chains in Japan and is struggling.</li>
<li>It is now trying a new format of mini stores to take merchandise to the customer.</li>
<li>This may not be enough and it will likely cede more of its stores to Lawson.</li>
</ul>


Poplar is one of the few remaining small CVS chains in Japan and is struggling.
It is now trying a new format of mini stores to take merchandise to the customer.
This may not be enough and it will likely cede more of its stores to Lawson.


Poplar Launches Unmanned Stores but Independence Still Under Threat

<ul>
<li>Lawson will begin offering made-on-demand meals direct from its convenience stores. </li>
<li>Suitable stores are being renovated to include in-store kitchens, with 100 planned for this time next year and 1,000 by 2025, with delivery handled by companies like Uber Eats.</li>
<li>Most other chains offering made-to-order meals are small, so Lawson could well take a large share of this growing market.</li>
</ul>


Lawson will begin offering made-on-demand meals direct from its convenience stores. 
Suitable stores are being renovated to include in-store kitchens, with 100 planned for this time next year and 1,000 by 2025, with delivery handled by companies like Uber Eats.
Most other chains offering made-to-order meals are small, so Lawson could well take a large share of this growing market.


Japan

FamilyMart Co., Ltd. operates convenience store chains. The Company provides rice balls, hot snacks, stews, beverages, and other products. FamilyMart conducts businesses in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, and other countries and regions.

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FamilyMart Co Ltd (8028 JP)

Itochu Signs L.L.Bean License, Gears up Forever 21 and Eddie Bauer Relaunches

Itochu continues to gain share in consumer goods distribution in Japan, particularly in fashion and lifestyle sectors, resulting in consistently...

Michael Causton

Lawson: More Efficiencies

The convenience store sector may be saturated but more efficiencies should lead to higher margins. Lawson is leading the way with a new AI-based...

Michael Causton

Familymart to Double Space for Hit Clothing Range

Familymart is seeing a revival in merchandising since the takeover by Itochu. The latter has experience in sourcing fashion, cosmetics, home as...

Michael Causton

Poplar Launches Unmanned Stores but Independence Still Under Threat

Poplar has been struggling to remain independent and has already ceded 30% of its chain to Lawson. With losses mounting, it is trying new unmanned...

Michael Causton

Lawson Expands into Takeaways

Finding ways to increase same-store sales is a problem for Japan's convenience stores given that saturation has resulted in more stores competing...

Michael Causton

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