In many countries, there are probably “large supermarkets” in town where you can buy foodstuffs and daily necessities.
In Japan, too, supermarkets are operating everywhere in populated cities, and fresh food can be purchased at any time.
However, while they offer roughly the same selection of goods, it is also true that the characteristics of each supermarket differ from one to another.
In popular supermarkets, many customers really come to shop every day.
And there is always a hidden reason why they are so popular.
In this article, we would like to explain about such “popular supermarkets in Japan.
Contents
Ranking of the Top 5 Popular Supermarkets in Japan
Let us begin by listing the five most popular supermarkets in Japan.
Most of these supermarkets are mainly located in and around urban areas, so if you can find one near where you live, why not visit it to do your shopping?
No.1 Aeon イオン
Aeon is probably the one retailer in Japan that cannot be missed.
Aeon Group, one of Japan’s largest corporations with sales of 8.7 trillion yen and approximately 560,000 group employees, also focuses on the supermarket business.
Supermarkets such as Daiei, Marunaka, and MaxValu are also Aeon-affiliated stores.
Including affiliated supermarkets, there are approximately 2,000 stores nationwide, so it is no exaggeration to say that there is always one store in your area.
One of the characteristics of Aeon supermarkets is that they have a very wide selection of goods.
Unlike supermarkets that mainly sell food, AEON Supermarket is a general supermarket, and as such, not only does it carry a wide variety of food, but it also carries a large number of daily necessities.
Many private brands, such as “Top Valu,” are available, and you can get good products at low prices.
In addition to actual stores, the company also operates an “Internet supermarket” business that handles about 30,000 items.
If you make an “AEON Card”, you can get points when you shop at AEON Group stores.
No.2 Ito-Yokado イトーヨーカドー
Ito-Yokado is another major retailer in Japan, along with Aeon, and is a subsidiary of Seven & i Holdings Co.
In fiscal 2023, its group sales are targeted to reach 10 trillion yen, the first in the Japanese retail industry.
Ito-Yokado stores originally started as Western-style stores and operated in downtown Tokyo.
About 70% of its stores are concentrated in the Kanto region, and the company is developing stores that meet local needs.
In addition to food products, the company also carries a large number of daily necessities and clothing.
Also, like Aeon, we are focusing on the Internet supermarket business, and items can be delivered in as little as 4 hours from the time of order within the area.
On days with an 8 on the day, which are “Happy Days,” members of nanako cards and Seven Card can purchase most products at a 5% discount.
No.3 Gyomu Super 業務スーパー
The first “business supermarket” opened in March 2000, and the number of stores has steadily increased.
There are stores in all 47 prefectures, totaling 982 stores.
The operating company is Kobe Bussan, with sales of 362 billion yen.
Unlike most supermarkets, Kobe Bussan sells many large packaged products, making it an ideal supermarket for those who like to buy in bulk.
Many of the products are original products manufactured in the company’s own factories, making it possible to obtain high quality foodstuffs at low prices.
In addition, OK Store also sells foodstuffs directly imported from all over the world.
No.4 OK STORE OKストア
OK STORE” is another very popular supermarket.
It is operated by OK Corporation and has sales of 508.8 billion yen.
Operating mainly in the Kanto region, OK Store has only 137 stores, but its low prices are a major attraction.
As evidence of this, the company’s customer satisfaction score for 2021 is Dantotsu No. 1, ahead of Aeon and business supermarkets.
OK Stores emphasize “High Quality, Everyday Low Price” and many products are available at low prices at any time.
They aggressively lower prices to compete with local competitors, so if you want to buy groceries at a low price, OK Store is the only place to go.
The “baked sweet potatoes” sold near the entrance of the store are quite popular and tasty, so you can purchase them when you visit the store.
No.5 LIFE ライフ
LIFE operates stores mainly in the Kanto and Kinki regions.
Sales are approximately 760 billion yen, and there are over 270 stores.
Private brands include “Kurashimore” and “Smile Life,” as well as the upscale “Life Premium” brand.
In addition to many reasonably priced products, the company also offers a wide variety of health-conscious foods and other items, making it a supermarket that is loved by all types of customers.
The selection of vegetables and fruits is very rich and pleasing to the eye.
Conclusion
In this article, I have explained about “popular supermarkets in Japan.
In Japan, Aeon and Ito-Yokado are very famous, but there are many other attractive supermarkets in operation.
If there is a supermarket listed here in your area, why don’t you go shopping there?
