Maruyoshi Center

Basic Information

Stock Code: 7515
Industry: Retail
Category Detail: General Merchandise & Food Retailers
Prefecture: Kagawa Prefecture
Establishment Year: March 1961
Listing Year: September 1996
Official Website: https://ww2.maruyoshi-center.co.jp/
TSE Information: TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance: Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies: Halows, Hokuyu Lucky, Daikokuten Shokusan, United Super Markets Holdings, Rei, Anfac, Life Corporation, Max Valu Tokai, Axial Retailing, Yaoko, Arks, Baro Holdings, Berg

Overview

Maruyoshi Center is a major supermarket chain based in Kagawa Prefecture, founded in 1961, with strengths in fresh foods and community-focused store operations.

Current Situation

Maruyoshi Center recorded consolidated sales of approximately 41 billion yen and operating profit of about 980 million yen for the fiscal year ended February 2021, operating 38 stores centered in Kagawa Prefecture and extending to Shikoku and Awaji Island. In its core supermarket division, it strengthens high-quality fresh food offerings rooted in the region and promotes efficient store operations through digitalization. In recent years, through a business and capital alliance with Izumi, it has advanced integration of procurement and logistics to enhance competitiveness. While the food service business has been significantly reduced through structural reforms, it is focusing on strengthening supermarket operations. It operates 24-hour and late-night stores to meet diverse regional needs. Going forward, it aims for sustainable growth centered on local roots and efficiency.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

Founder was influenced by U.S. supermarket pioneers.
Only company in Kagawa Prefecture operating multiple 24-hour stores.
Restaurant business is shrinking, currently operating only one location.
Has built uniquely strong relationships with local trust banks.
Strengthening regional collaboration through capital and business alliance with Izumi.
Pioneering company that temporarily discontinued then reintroduced tax-inclusive pricing during consumption tax hike.
History of suspending credit card payments then introducing them store-wide in 2019.
Internal connections with local award recipients and notables.
Owns local food processing and logistics company as consolidated subsidiary.
In early days, operated stores combining apparel and food.
Actively develops local product brands gaining customer support.
Frequent personnel coverage in local papers and media.
Detailed notes on closed stores in map app store guides.
Emphasizes regional characteristics in store redesigns.
Takamatsu City's Minami Shinmachi was historically significant as former head office location.

Hidden Connections

Major shareholder Izumi is deeply collaborating on Shikoku fresh food supply network development.
Representative Director Satake family are major regional shareholders with strong management influence.
Logistics subsidiary Rex has built efficient delivery services through joint investment.
Ties with local trust banks play key role in store funding.
Former restaurant format 'Green House' was once the largest in the prefecture.
Previously introduced credit payments in some stores were discontinued considering market reaction.
Site adjacent to head office along Kagawa Prefectural Route 33 is a key regional economic hub.
Revival of tax-inclusive pricing with decimal places was a notable pioneering measure in the industry.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

Further strengthening local production for local consumption and regional brand expansion
Improved purchasing and logistics power through Izumi alliance
Customer experience improvement and efficiency via digitalization
Regional differentiation leveraging 24-hour operations
Expansion and promotion of products for aging society
Growth strategy for EC and mail-order channels
Deepening food waste reduction and eco-friendly management
Market adaptation through store remodels and new openings
Strengthened community contributions with local focus
Efficient talent development and workplace improvements
Expansion of health and healthcare product handling
Building sustainable supply chains

Strategic Goals

Achieve over 50% market share expansion in the region
Complete logistics integration with Izumi Group
Achieve 30% reduction in environmental impact across all stores
Achieve over 20% sales ratio from digital channels
Double sales of regional brand products
Reduce food waste by 60% year-on-year
Maintain employee satisfaction at 90% or higher
Continue 3 or more new store openings annually
Complete lineup of elderly-friendly products
Enhance brand value through regional society engagement

Business Segments

Raw Materials for Factories and Food Manufacturing

Overview

Stably supplies raw materials and processed products to regional factories and food manufacturers.

Competitiveness

High-quality delivery through fusion of local ingredients and manufacturing expertise

Customers

Food manufacturers
Deli producers
Food service industry
Retailers

Products

Processed meat products
Processed fresh fish
Frozen food ingredients
Seasonings
Packaging materials

Logistics and Delivery Services

Overview

Supports customer business efficiency through efficient logistics and product management.

Competitiveness

Rapid delivery network leveraging geographical advantages

Customers

Subsidiary Rex
Logistics companies
Retail stores
Wholesalers

Products

Food delivery
Fresh goods management
Warehouse storage
Logistics system support

Store Operation Support

Overview

Provides consulting for sales promotion and business efficiency.

Competitiveness

Practical support rooted in on-site experience

Customers

Store owners
Supermarket operators
Food retailers

Products

Store sales support
POS system implementation
Marketing support

Services for Food Service Industry

Overview

Implements management improvement and growth support for food service businesses.

Competitiveness

Rich network of local ingredients

Customers

Restaurant operators
Cafe operators
Dining chains

Products

Raw material supply
Menu development support
Sales promotion

Food Factory Equipment Related

Overview

Provides machinery and services for food manufacturing sites.

Competitiveness

Optimal proposals based on deep industry knowledge

Customers

Food manufacturing factories
Processors

Products

Manufacturing machinery
Quality control equipment

IT System Services

Overview

Supports retail efficiency and customer management with IT.

Competitiveness

Local-focused system development capabilities

Customers

Supermarkets
Logistics businesses
Retail executives

Products

Sales management systems
Logistics management systems
Digital marketing tools

External Sales of Food Ingredients

Overview

Strengthens external sales of factory products to meet other business needs.

Competitiveness

High-quality local sourcing and processing technology

Customers

Local food manufacturers
Processors
Food service providers

Products

Processed meat
Fresh fish sets
Fresh vegetables

Environmental Services

Overview

Various services to reduce environmental impact from store operations.

Competitiveness

Collaborative strength leveraging regional networks

Customers

Businesses
Local governments

Products

Waste recycling
Environmental burden reduction proposals

Regional Logistics Collaboration

Overview

Builds cooperative framework for regional logistics efficiency.

Competitiveness

Flexible response due to local attachment

Customers

Other retailers
Regional businesses

Products

Joint delivery
Logistics cost reduction support

Processed Food Development Support

Overview

Supports new product development and production quality improvement technically.

Competitiveness

Accumulated diverse processing technologies

Customers

Food manufacturers
Small-scale producers

Products

Product planning
Quality control guidance

Store Supplies Provision

Overview

Bulk supply of essentials for store operations.

Competitiveness

Efficient procurement and prompt delivery

Customers

Supermarket operations
Restaurants

Products

Store fixtures
Packaging supplies
Cleaning supplies

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

Community-focused fresh food expertise
Stable procurement network for local ingredients
Enhanced procurement power through strategic capital alliance with Izumi
Improved customer convenience via 24-hour operations
Efficient logistics via owned distribution centers
Expansion of meat and fish processing technology utilization
Established customer base from long-term regional presence
Diverse sales channel deployment
Local brand development capabilities
Flexible store renovation strategy
Stable financial foundation
Revenue diversification through external sales of produced goods
Introduction of advanced POS and digital systems
Competitive edge in maturing Shikoku market
Collaboration with regional banks

Competitive Advantages

Strong customer relationships through regionally focused store operations centered in Kagawa Prefecture
Achieved logistics and procurement efficiency via alliance with Izumi
Differentiates from competitors with fresh department processing technology
Meets customer needs finely with diverse operations (late-night/24-hour)
Actively remodels stores to enhance customer experience in modern formats
Effective product planning and assortment leveraging regional characteristics
Vertical integration from production to sales using consolidated subsidiaries
Stable funding via strong ties with local trust banks
Multi-faceted sales via EC and mail-order channel development
Strengthened differentiation with premium local brand 'Granderies'
Provides transparency and reassurance through product labeling innovations
Gains regional support with eco-friendly packaging and logistics
Marketing strategy leveraging rich local information
Maintains store service quality through focus on talent development
Enhances brand value through strengthened community collaboration

Threats

Intensifying competition in food retail market
Pressure from major national chains entering Shikoku
Shrinking consumer market due to population decline and aging
Rising logistics costs from fuel price surges
Supply chain disruptions from natural disasters
Labor shortages complicating talent acquisition
Revenue impact from declining food service business
Delayed adaptation to diversifying consumer purchasing behaviors
Operational burdens from strengthened food hygiene and safety regulations
Risk of deteriorating local trust bank performance
Delayed response to advancing digital technologies
Increased costs from stricter environmental regulations

Innovations

2023: Integration of Product Procurement and Logistics Systems with Izumi

Overview: Initiated operational integration to improve procurement logistics efficiency and reduce costs in the region.
Impact: Contributes to procurement efficiency and cost reductions

2022: Strengthening of EC Mail-Order Services

Overview: Expanded online ordering and home delivery to establish new sales channels.
Impact: Supports younger customer acquisition and sales growth

2021: Introduction of Credit Card Payments in All Stores

Overview: Implemented major credit card acceptance in all stores to enhance customer convenience.
Impact: Faster checkouts and cashless promotion

2020: Energy-Saving Equipment Introduction via Store Renovations

Overview: Introduced LED lighting and energy-efficient refrigeration in multiple store remodels to reduce environmental impact.
Impact: 10% electricity cost reduction and improved environmental ratings

2024: Trial Introduction of Self-Checkout Systems

Overview: Testing self-checkouts in select stores to verify customer convenience and labor savings.
Impact: Expected checkout wait time reduction and labor cost savings

2023: Joint Development and Sales of Local Specialties

Overview: Advanced new product development in collaboration with local producers to contribute to regional revitalization.
Impact: Brand value enhancement and increased customer satisfaction

2021: Adoption of Eco-Friendly Packaging

Overview: Sequentially introduced new packaging using recycled materials to reduce plastics.
Impact: Improved sustainability ratings

2022: Introduction of Digital Marketing Tools

Overview: Began deploying systems supporting efficient promotions based on customer data analysis.
Impact: Enhanced sales efficiency and customer engagement

2020: Expansion of 24-Hour Store Operations

Overview: Increased late-night stores considering regional characteristics to expand customer touchpoints.
Impact: Promotes sales growth and market share expansion

2024: Launch of Food Waste Reduction Program

Overview: Implemented reductions in expiration discards through shelf-life management and enhanced promotions.
Impact: Reduced economic losses and environmental impact

Sustainability

Promotion of local production for local consumption using regional specialties
Introduction of energy-saving equipment in all stores
Reduction and alternative materials for plastic packaging
Strengthening food waste reduction activities
Environmental protection activities in collaboration with local communities
Promotion of comfortable workplace environments
Expansion of renewable energy utilization
Regional job creation and elderly employment promotion
Participation and support for environmental education programs
Application of sustainable procurement standards
Business efficiency and paper reduction through digitalization
Enrichment of community contribution activities with local focus