Convenience store isnt necessary cheap compared to the supermarket. But cheaper than the restaurant. And not only that, we Japanese recognize their quality superb. Each convenience stores produce original products, from bento box, coffee to the original desserts, and that bring customers.
Ok. now let me introduce top 5 convenience stores in Japan.
1) Seven Eleven
I have visited Seven Eleven in several countries. Yes I know, I have been disappointed by so many places like Singapore (well I heard it is improving). But the one in Japan, it is absolutely amazing.
Reason 1: Seven Premium Products
Whether it is riceball, bread, lunch box, sweets, snacks, or hot meals, the quality simply superb. Outperforms "average level restaurants", so we Japanese prefer to eat at home while buying food in Convenience store, if we have to go eat outside. Certainly worth every penny.
Just look through pictures presented in this Japanese site, and you can tell how much Seven Eleven has spent to establish their branded products: "Seven Premium"
What is the most amazing is the number of products they create almost every week :)
They continue to sell new products and that is not only new in Seven Eleven but also catching the trend. Perhaps thats why its loved by younger generations and fun to visit Seven Eleven :)
Reason 2: Best Coffee: great morning to start with at $1.
Reason 3: Largest Convenience Stores by the number of stores
And it is mostly focused in Tokyo.
Thank you about your content below :)
2) Lawson
2nd and 3rd are tough choice to make. But I consider Lawson the second best for the following 3 reasons.
Reason 1: Best Riceball
First of all, these are Lawson original product lines that Lawson is putting much effort to.
As their judgement has suggested, I also believe that Lawson onigiri is competitive in price as well as the best qualified rice. Not only the thing inside, but rice itself is already so tasty from Lawson riceball.
Reason 2: Great Sweets
So as I have described, Lawson's basic products, in my opinion, outperforms Seven Eleven's. Sweets are the next example.
If you wanna try authentic Japanese sweets (if you are Asian), definitely try ones from Lawson. Red Bean paste, no other konbini can beat Lawson.
Proven by new sweets line in 2017, Lawson has provided far more Japanese authentic (like matcha and red bean) sweets than others. But even other products, their sweets try to aim less calories with quality ingredients. Low carbo products also outperform in Lawson. Perhaps thats why despite its positioning and low quality design, I still love Lawson.
Unfortunately, their product design isnt as cool as other competitors though ^^; For that reason, I believe Lawson is still having tough time competing against Seven Eleven and Family Mart :P
Reason 3: Natural Lawson and Lawson Store 100 -> They are just superb.
What is Natural Lawson?
Concept - "Value Your Everyday Life" catered to higher end customers or women.
So organic and natural products as well as low calorie/ sugarless products are their main line.
What is Lawson Store 100?
Cheap, Cheap, Cheap. I think no other places can beat their price if its food. I wonder how they even make profit... So if you are very tight on budget, go for this.
Lastly, if you are going to convenience store for either riceball or sweets, please make sure to visit Lawson ;)
3) Family Mart
When I was in Japan. I was a heavy user of Family Mart. Why? Because Family Mart membership card was better than any other membership card.Speaking of products, I personally thought Lawson is better because I always purchased riceball and sweets from convenience stores.
Nevertheless, Family Mart I believe is second popular in Japan. Recently acquired Sankus/Circle K so I believe they are going great.
Ok, here is the reason to visit
Reason 1: Muji Products
Reasonably Priced and only sold at Family Mart :)
Reason 2: Hot products (Family Chicken)
I just love it. The spice is amazing, how its fried is superb.
Reason 3: Bento(Lunch) Box and Pasta product lines
So true. Speaking of lunch boxes, I think Family mart is the best.
I personally believe that Family Mart has the best design (package) on average in every products.
NO1, 2, 5,6 are all taken by Family Mart Products!! (3,4, by Lawson products)
4) Mini Stop
From here, I will be short. MINI STOP came on 4th because of their softees (ice cream).
Just look at pictures in this link blow. 20 types of ice creams sold in the past. How much MINI STOP puts an effort in ice cream product development, there is no doubt that ice cream in MINI STOP is the best of all.
5) Circle K/ Sankus (acquired by Family Mart)
Recently bought by Family Mart. But they still remain some products that were just superb.
One of the well known products is ”Cheese Tart" from here. Back in 2015 when it was first sold, there were long queue desperate to eat. Not only that, the product usually comes in to stores around 10 AM, and by 10:30 AM, everything (around 20 - 30 in each stores?) was gone. I still remember, I was in Nagoya for 2 days. 1st day, from 11am onwards, I entered more than 5 Circle K stores and couldnt purchase one cheese tart. Next day, I was in the convenience store since 9AM, and there was already a queue waiting for the cheese tart. I have never seen from any other products in convenience stores that have gained this much popularity.
At last, again, about 50% of Japanese citizens Love Seven Eleven the most. But if you look in depth with each product lines, you can see other convenience stores better. If you deepen by each categories, ranking may vary. But that will be done in the next blog. So if you have specific categories you want to look into, please check the next blog :)
Further, some sites have well discussed how to best utilize those convenience stores. Here I think one of the best blogs discussing how you can enjoy them the most :)
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