Japanese Convenience Stores Introduction
Japanese Convenience Stores or "Conbini" (コンビに) are among the most sophisticated
retail establishments in the world. They restock their shelves every 6 hours and the food is of high quality and fresh.
Unlike convenience stores in most countries there are many healthy, fresh foods at conbini. Millions of Japanese get their dinner or lunch at a Conbini everyday.
Japanese convenience stores change their product line ups on a seasonal basis. Conbini are trendy, like other Japanese retailers, and are constantly adjusting their product lines.
The selection of products in a typical Conbini is nothing short of amazing and may include:
* cosmetics
* health care and vitamins
* basic clothing
* seasonal stuff such as beach supplies
* electronics
* alcohol and tobacco
* newspapers, magazines, books and comics
* hot and cold drinks
* hot food and a wide assortment of fresh foods and box lunches (bento)
* chips and japanese snacks
* cakes, candy and chocolate
* vegetable juices and yogurt
* umbrellas
* a wide assortment of instant noodles
* frozen foods
In addition to this Conbini may offer many services such as:
* delivery
* lotto
* photocopy and fax
* ticket reservations
* bill payments
* ATM
* digital camera prints
* toilet that can be freely used (normally clean)
Japanese convenience stores are everywhere in Japan. In fact there are over 50,000 of them. Despite this most of them are crowded at all hours of the day. Many people stand in the magazine section of Conbini reading for hours on end. Most Japanese people would agree Conbini have become an important part of Japanese popular culture.
For more information check out the Japanese Convenience Stores Guide.
