Stores opening in 2012 expected to total a fifth more than those opened in 2011.
Japan’s five major convenience store operators are set to open more than 3,400 stores in fiscal 2012 as customer traffic increases, Reuters reported. The net increase (openings minus closings) is expected to total 1,880-2,130 stores, up 40-60% compared to fiscal 2011.
According to the Nikkei, a Japanese daily, the number of convenience stores opened in 2012 is expected to be a fifth more than the total opened in 2011.
Seven & i Holdings Co. unit Seven-Eleven Japan Co. plans to open 1,350 sites, focusing on the earthquake-damaged Northeast.
Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart Co., Lawson Inc., Circle K Sunkus Co. and Ministop Co. combined are expected to open 3,460 to 3,610 stores, according to the Nikkei.