Material Issue 2: Evolving as a Regional Revitalization Base Close to People
Social Context and Recognition of Issues
While social issues become diversified and complex, it has become common belief on a global level that companies, as members of society, should proactively get involved with local communities to understand the challenges faced by the countries or areas that the company operates in and to contribute themselves to solutions.
With the demographic changes seen in Japan’s declining birthrate, aging, and declining population, we have been facing changes of social structures such as increasing urbanization and diversification of family configurations. In addition, a multitude of lifestyles has emerged as a result of the growing influx of foreign nationals and the evolution of work style reforms. Amidst these shifts, brick-and-mortar stores have gained significance as retail enterprises that uphold and cater to our daily lifestyles.
It is our belief that we cannot overlook these changes as they will have a huge impact on FamilyMart’s businesses.
Meanwhile, besides earthquakes, recent years have also seen more frequent and severe typhoons and other natural disasters, which require greater resiliency. We acknowledge that one of our vital responsibilities is to ensure a stable supply of resources in the event of a disaster.
We recognize that in the event of disasters, one of our missions is to strive to provide a stable supply of goods.
Vision
FamilyMart’s social contribution policy is to fulfill its social role and to operate convenience stores that feel welcoming to everyone in the community in order to create better communities as a company that lives hand in hand with local communities.
Therefore, we aim to focus on services that can provide convenience, and also provide new convenience as the center of a local community while dealing with the changes of social structures and lifestyles. We plan to achieve this by understanding the challenges and needs of local communities and by contributing to the growth of local communities, remaining close to people, and operating stores that are hubs of safety and security for urban and suburban residents.
We have also initiated efforts to offer support to farmers with the aim of revitalizing their respective communities.
Specific Initiatives
Basic Approach
As a retailer that plays a role in social and lifestyle infrastructure, FamilyMart endeavors to contribute to the development of communities and society at large through community-based management.
In the event of destruction by earthquakes, torrential rain or other natural disasters, we can utilize our national supply and distribution network as a social infrastructure function and quickly deliver material aid to disaster-affected areas. To this end, we systematically and routinely make preparations in collaboration with the national government, local municipalities and other companies.
Value Creation
While utilizing digital resources, we provide new discoveries and experiences to daily life through products and services in line with community needs and thereby contribute to realizing happiness in everyday life.
We are equally devoted to fostering the growth of farmers and agriculture across all regions of Japan, guiding them into the next generation. Through the commercialization of agricultural products from each locale, our goal is to play a role in rejuvenating local communities.
Moreover, we will cooperate with local municipalities to strive for prevention of crimes and accidents, and will also continue our ongoing efforts to contribute to the vitalization of communities through daily communication and the development of safe and reliable communities by maintaining the stable supply of products toward early recovery at the time of natural disaster.
Operational Structure
FamilyMart’s efforts are based on the needs of each community, centering on our stores but also utilizing the functions of sales, product and logistics departments.
We have also forged an array of agreements with municipalities across the nation, outlined as follows, in order to provide support for local communities.
Furthermore, we have made comprehensive agreements with local municipalities throughout the country to cooperate for childcare, support for the elderly, tourism, promotion, and environmental activities so that we can quickly and appropriately handle diverse challenges facing local communities, energize those communities, and improve services provided to the residents.
In addition, watch-over agreements are also underway for us to support activities that enable children and the elderly to live safely and securely in their communities.