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But aren't these stores also more expensive than super markets? Looks weird after reading the article.

by erikb 10y ago

jfoster 10y ago
In Thailand at least, the prices are generally the same as supermarkets. I'm guessing it's the same in Japan. In Australia there is definitely a massive gap between convenience store pricing and supermarket pricing, though. Probably to the point of paying 2x or 3x on some items.
- geomark 10y ago
  I noticed the same comparing Thai 7-Elevens to those in the US. Nearly the same prices in Thai 7-Elevens and Thai supermarkets, whereas in the US there was a significant price difference (from what I recall, it's been a while since I've been back).
- 77pt77 10y ago
  No. They're more expensive in Japan, though not insanely so like in other places.
euske 10y ago
Pro tip: When you travel Japan and want to save money, don't buy stuff at 7-11s (except its 100-yen coffee which is a good deal, IMO). I'm always fascinated by the logistics side of a convenience store. They micromanage everything to its maximum efficiency/profitability. In the case of 7-11, there are almost 20,000 stores throughout Japan, and each store gets delivery three times a day. I read they predict demands each day based on its weather/holidays, and change its supplies accordingly. They also keep curating their product lines (typically, about 3000) including perishables. The whole system is amazingly massive and complex. They cram stuff in such a small space without violating the fire regulations and whatnot, yet they know how to display them in a visually appearing and approachable way. It truly feels like an art. cf. http://www.sej.co.jp/company/tenpo.html http://www.sej.co.jp/company/tenpo.html On the other hand, they have a greedy corporate side, of course. I read they always have backup staffs so even when a store manager dies (each store is a franchise business run by a family) they can keep the store running.
77pt77 10y ago
My personal experience points to about 10 to 20% higher prices than in medium sized supermarkets.

But aren't these stores also more expensive than super markets? Looks weird after reading the article.

by erikb 10y ago

But aren't these stores also more expensive than super markets? Looks weird after reading the article.

In Thailand at least, the prices are generally the same as supermarkets. I'm guessing it's the same in Japan. In Australia there is definitely a massive gap between convenience store pricing and supermarket pricing, though. Probably to the point of paying 2x or 3x on some items.

geomark 10y ago
I noticed the same comparing Thai 7-Elevens to those in the US. Nearly the same prices in Thai 7-Elevens and Thai supermarkets, whereas in the US there was a significant price difference (from what I recall, it's been a while since I've been back).
77pt77 10y ago
No. They're more expensive in Japan, though not insanely so like in other places.

euske 10y ago

Pro tip: When you travel Japan and want to save money, don't buy stuff at 7-11s (except its 100-yen coffee which is a good deal, IMO). I'm always fascinated by the logistics side of a convenience store. They micromanage everything to its maximum efficiency/profitability. In the case of 7-11, there are almost 20,000 stores throughout Japan, and each store gets delivery three times a day. I read they predict demands each day based on its weather/holidays, and change its supplies accordingly. They also keep curating their product lines (typically, about 3000) including perishables. The whole system is amazingly massive and complex. They cram stuff in such a small space without violating the fire regulations and whatnot, yet they know how to display them in a visually appearing and approachable way. It truly feels like an art. cf. http://www.sej.co.jp/company/tenpo.html http://www.sej.co.jp/company/tenpo.html On the other hand, they have a greedy corporate side, of course. I read they always have backup staffs so even when a store manager dies (each store is a franchise business run by a family) they can keep the store running.

77pt77 10y ago

My personal experience points to about 10 to 20% higher prices than in medium sized supermarkets.