Core Viewpoint - LOPIA has emerged as a significant player in the Japanese supermarket industry, achieving remarkable growth and redefining the retail experience by focusing on customer engagement and innovative product offerings [1][19]. Group 1: Company Overview - LOPIA's revenue reached 521.3 billion yen (approximately 25.9 billion RMB) for the fiscal year ending February 2025, marking a sixfold increase over the past decade [1][8]. - The supermarket chain has opened 123 stores, including 116 in Japan and 7 in Taiwan, where it has quickly established a strong market presence [8][19]. Group 2: Business Model and Strategy - LOPIA transitioned from a meat specialty store to a discount supermarket in 2009, emphasizing the sale of quality products at lower prices [2][19]. - The company adopts a "selling experience" approach, transforming stores into engaging environments that encourage customer exploration and interaction [4][19]. - LOPIA's store layout and product offerings are designed to enhance customer experience, with a focus on fresh produce, meats, and unique food items [6][16]. Group 3: Target Market - The primary customer base consists of middle-income families, particularly dual-income households, with a significant proportion of customers aged 30-40 [8][19]. - Customers typically visit LOPIA 1-2 times a week for bulk purchases of fresh food [8]. Group 4: Operational Structure - LOPIA employs a decentralized management model, allowing individual departments within stores to operate with autonomy, akin to independent businesses [9][13]. - Each department is responsible for its own procurement, pricing, and staffing, fostering a competitive environment that drives innovation [9][13]. Group 5: Product Strategy - The company focuses on a "food SPA" model, integrating production and retail, with a significant portion of stores being company-owned [14][19]. - LOPIA's product strategy includes a four-tier pricing structure that balances loss leaders with high-margin items, maintaining an overall gross margin of around 20% [14][16]. Group 6: Profitability and Growth - LOPIA's unique approach to profitability emphasizes cost reduction through vertical integration and encourages higher customer spending through strategic product placement [18][19]. - The company has successfully positioned itself as a low-cost provider while maintaining quality, leading to a competitive advantage in the market [18][19].