Convenience stores urged to compile steps for labor shortages

April 5, 2019

Tokyo--Japanese industry minister Hiroshige Seko called on Seven-Eleven Japan Co. and seven other convenience store operators on Friday to compile action plans to support franchise stores, such as addressing labor shortages.

"Convenience stores constitute crucial infrastructure rooted in peoples' everyday lives," Seko said in a meeting with leaders of the companies. He expressed his ministry's readiness to consider support measures in response to action plans submitted by the operators.

Among the attendants were Kazuki Furuya, president of leading player Seven-Eleven, and Sadanobu Takemasu, president of Lawson Inc. <2651>.

"We want to deepen communication with franchise stores, which are our partners, and meet expectations from society," said Isamu Nakayama, chairman of the Japan Franchise Association and president of FamilyMart Co.

The action plans are expected to include reviews on franchise contracts stipulating round-the-clock operations in principle, as well as measures to secure enough workers at franchise stores and to improve treatment of owners of such outlets.

The introduction of unmanned cash registers and measures to utilize information technology are also expected to be discussed.

Convenience stores in Japan currently face serious labor shortages. According to a ministry survey, the proportion of store owners complaining about the lack of workforce increased threefold from the previous survey, which was carried out four years ago. Jiji Press