Core Insights - The article discusses the contrasting trends in the retail sectors of China and Japan, highlighting the rapid online transformation in China versus Japan's slower adoption of digital sales in supermarkets [3][14]. Group 1: Sales Performance and Market Structure - Japan's supermarket industry is projected to reach approximately 1.2 trillion RMB in total sales by the end of 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 3.9% [5]. - The total number of supermarkets in Japan is 23,039, with a net decrease of 35 stores compared to the previous year [7]. - The sales structure shows a slight decline in traditional fresh produce categories, while ready-to-eat and daily goods are gaining popularity, indicating a shift in consumer preferences [17][18]. Group 2: Workforce and Employment Trends - The average number of full-time employees per store is about 14, with a stable workforce structure and an increase in the proportion of female employees from 24.4% to 26.2% over the years [9][10]. - The industry has seen a moderate increase in wages, with average salary growth maintained between 1% to 3% annually, despite rising operational costs [10][11]. Group 3: Digital Transformation and Service Efficiency - The adoption of digital services in Japanese supermarkets is accelerating, with self-checkout rates increasing from 15.8% to 37.9% over the past few years [11][13]. - There is a noticeable reduction in non-core service functions, as supermarkets shift focus towards efficiency and customer experience [11][12]. Group 4: Private Brand (PB) Products - The penetration of private brand products in supermarkets has increased significantly, with the introduction rate rising from 70.6% to 81.9% [20][21]. - However, the sales share of PB products peaked at 10.3% in 2022 and has since declined to 8.9% in 2024, indicating challenges in maintaining growth amid competitive pressures [20][21]. Group 5: Consumer Behavior and Market Adaptation - Consumer shopping behavior is evolving, with weekday shopping emphasizing convenience and efficiency, while weekend shopping is more family-oriented and purpose-driven [29][31]. - The rise of food-focused drugstores is creating new competition for supermarkets, highlighting the need for supermarkets to leverage their strengths in quality and trust [29][31]. Group 6: Strategic Adjustments for Supermarkets - Supermarkets are encouraged to rethink their strategies in response to changing consumer demands, focusing on enhancing in-store communication and customer experience [32]. - The key to survival in the face of demographic changes and diverse consumer needs lies in understanding consumer behavior and innovating business models accordingly [32].