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Konbini: A supermarket where you can get everything around the clock, 365 days a year. From general household items like pipe cleaners and toothbrushes to snacks, ready meals, drinks and cosmetics, it's all there. Throughout Japan, you can find around 50,000 of these mini markets. Originally introduced as a convenience store, the abbreviation Konbini has now become established.
What's special: Konbinis often offer additional services such as Wi-Fi, printers, ATMs, ticket sales and package delivery. You can also pay bills here, such as utilities like electricity or various online purchases. It's incredibly practical to have a Konbini near home and for many they are an indispensable stop on stressful days.
In some Konbinis you can even eat directly on site, as many have a dining area with a microwave and kettle.
What is the equivalent of a Konbini in Germany?
Imagine a mixture of a very well-stocked kiosk and a great gas station shop. Another comparison would be a train station shop with a mixed assortment. In Japan, by the way, gas station shops don't have a wide range of products because there are so many Konbinis.
Can we hope that Germany will soon introduce Konbinis?
If you live in a big city, you'll know some all-round shops that belong to large market providers. For example, there is Rewe-to-go, where you can find a compressed selection of a normal Rewe supermarket. The focus, as in Konbini, is on compact sizes and speed. Since there are such intermediate solutions, it is rather unlikely that Japanese Konbinis will establish themselves in Germany.
What is the price-performance ratio in such Konbinis?
If you only shop at a Konbini every day, you will eventually have to reach deep into your wallet. Above all, the long opening hours ensure a premium on the goods. In addition, Konbinis are often located in advantageous locations such as pedestrian zones or at the train station, which further increases prices.
Product selection
When it comes to the product range, these mini markets can almost match the big supermarkets. There is a suitable product for every occasion, whether you need a last-minute birthday card or want to stock up on snacks. Since the shops can be found on every corner and are usually open 24 hours a day, they also help in some emergencies. So you can get shower gels, towels, socks, umbrellas, light bulbs, insect repellent sprays or over-the-counter painkillers. A small selection of electrical goods is also often available.
Ready meals and fast food
In addition to sweet, savory and salty snacks, there is also a range of ready-made products in Konbinis. Between Onigiris, whole lunch boxes (Bento) with fish, meat or vegetables, as well as salads and soups, everyone will find something they like. At the checkout, everything can be quickly warmed up in the microwave by the cashier.
To quench your thirst, you can find coffee, water, tea and soft drinks here. Of course, there is no shortage of alcohol, but unlike in Germany, many alcoholic beverages are sold in cans.
Many larger Konbinis also have a dining area where you can serve yourself at the microwave and kettle and eat in peace.
Services
As already mentioned, Konbinis also offer other services. Most stores have a self-service terminal where you can pay bills, buy tickets for buses and sports and cultural events, or make reservations. You can also pay various bills at the checkout. For example, on the internet you can often choose one of the many Konbini chains as a payment method and then pay directly at your nearest store. If you happen to be out when the postman comes, it is even possible for your package to be delivered to the Konbini.
What Konbini chains are there?
As Konbinis are an integral part of Japanese everyday life, there is a large selection. While you are more likely to encounter family businesses in remote locations, in the big cities you can expect branches of the three largest companies: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson. All branches are operated as franchises and therefore resemble each other in terms of structure, services and goods offered. Nevertheless, there are also differences and each chain has its own focus and specialties.
7-Eleven
The first convenience store in Japan belonged to this chain and the company is still the market leader today. Through this special market position, 7-Eleven has built a good reputation and is known for good product quality. Only here can you get your morning coffee freshly ground and brewed. You can also find fresh pastries and popular lunch boxes here. A wide range of articles are sold under the own brand Seven Premium. The fried chicken, cheesecake and sushi are particularly popular.
FamilyMart
When people in Japan talk about FamilyMart, it is synonymous with delicious fast food. Many products have a "Fami-" attached to them to create a strong brand image. For example, there is the FamiChicki, a fried chicken that is exceptionally crispy. To establish itself as the second most important Konbini chain after 7-Eleven, Familymart teamed up with the Japanese Postbank. This allows anyone with a Postbank account to withdraw money free of charge at certain times. In addition, some stores have their own areas where products from the major Japanese brand Muji are sold. In terms of snacks, FamilyMart is known for being extremely cheap.
Lawson
Unlike the other Konbini chains, Lawson focuses exclusively on healthy eating and special desserts. In addition to normal branches, there is also the "Natural Lawson", where you can get vegetarian products and healthy foods. Lawson sells popular sweets such as the Premium Roll Cake under the own brand UchiCafeSweets.
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