Fuji

Basic Information

Stock Code
8278
Industry
Retail
Category Detail
General Merchandise & Food Retailers
Prefecture
Ehime Prefecture
Establishment Year
September 1967
Listing Year
August 1997
Official Website
https://www.the-fuji.com/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Trial Holdings, Aeon Kyushu, San-A, Aeon Hokkaido, MV Tokai, Aeon, Izumi, Heiwado, Tenmaya Store

Overview

Fuji Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive retailer founded in 1967 with its base in Ehime Prefecture, operating approximately 489 stores in the Chugoku-Shikoku region and Hyogo Prefecture, and is a major supermarket company in the Aeon Group.

Current Situation

Fuji recorded consolidated net sales of 771.1 billion yen, operating income of 15.1 billion yen, and net income of 7.4 billion yen for the fiscal year ending February 2024, maintaining stable performance. It operates major brands such as the supermarket 'Fuji,' 'Max Valu,' 'Marunaka,' and 'The Big,' engaging in community-focused comprehensive retail. Since 2018, it has strengthened its capital and business alliance with the Aeon Group, and in March 2024, expanded its market area through a management integration with Max Valu West Japan. It is proactive in food loss reduction and food drive initiatives, and has introduced electronic money payments such as WAON. Stores range from large shopping centers to urban-type stores and discount stores. From 2024 onward, it is undertaking store renovations and efficiency improvements through the establishment of a logistics study group, drawing up growth strategies as a community-focused retailer. Moving forward, it emphasizes the promotion of digital technology utilization and sustainable management, aiming to maintain leadership in the retail industry in the Chugoku-Shikoku region beyond 2025.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Fuji operates approximately 489 stores in its home base of Ehime and Hiroshima Prefectures as a local powerhouse.
  • Founded in 1967, it started as the retail division of the veteran textile wholesaler Toa.
  • Formed alliance with Aeon Group in 2018 and achieved management integration in 2024.
  • Operates numerous brands as the largest supermarket in Chugoku-Shikoku region.
  • Mobile supermarket 'Omakase-kun' contributes to support for local elderly.
  • Employs special subsidiary Fuji Heart Delica, focusing on employment for people with disabilities.
  • Characteristic in operating diverse restaurant chains through subsidiaries.
  • Transitioned from private brand 'Style One' to Aeon's 'Top Value'.
  • Hiroshima head office building inherited from Max Valu era.
  • Also operates shopping centers housing the head office in Hiroshima East commercial building.
  • Established Chugoku-Shikoku Logistics Study Group in 2024 for logistics efficiency.
  • Rich track record in developing large shopping centers in Chugoku region.
  • The Big originated from Max Valu West Japan as a unique discount brand.
  • Efuka point card forms customer loyalty closely tied to local life.
  • Acquired Marunaka stores and advancing new store deployments under Fuji brand.

Hidden Connections

  • Long-term cross-shareholding with Toa (now Yondoshi Holdings), practicing integrated wholesaling and retailing management.
  • Since joining Aeon Group, closely collaborates with in-group Max Valu West Japan and Marunaka, leading industry reorganization.
  • Owns regional agricultural corporations and special subsidiaries, achieving vertical integration from primary processing to sales of own products.
  • Ready Pharmacy is a joint venture with Tsuruha Holdings, but Fuji also holds 49% stake, creating cross-industry capital relationships.
  • Actively sponsors regional sports clubs and cultural events.
  • Point card 'Efuka' is close to Aeon's WAON points, creating a dual customer retention composite kingdom.
  • Launched study group with other Chugoku-Shikoku companies for logistics efficiency, promoting joint delivery.
  • Inherited old Sunny TSUBAKI business to expand into densely populated supermarket areas.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Store network expansion and synergy creation through integration with Max Valu West Japan
  • Business efficiency via Aeon Group's capital and IT technology utilization
  • Development of community-focused shopping centers and customer base strengthening
  • Expansion of sustainable management and environmentally friendly products
  • Customer loyalty improvement through electronic money and point systems
  • Active investment in logistics efficiency and strengthened cooperation with Chugoku-Shikoku peers
  • Expansion of digital marketing and EC business
  • Differentiation in elderly segment through new services like mobile supermarkets
  • Risk diversification and revenue base strengthening through diversified businesses
  • Enhanced regional economic contributions through strengthened agriculture collaboration

Strategic Goals

  • Maintain and expand top market share in Chugoku-Shikoku region
  • Achieve over 50% food loss reduction rate across all stores
  • 95% or higher compatibility with electronic money and digital payments
  • Sustainable product sales ratio exceeding 30%
  • Improve employee satisfaction through diverse work styles
  • Full renewal of store equipment to reduce environmental impact
  • Advanced Chugoku-Shikoku logistics network and promotion of joint logistics
  • Development of new business models in collaboration with regional communities
  • Acquire young and family customers through new store formats
  • Further improve customer satisfaction and brand recognition

Business Segments

Food Wholesaling

Overview
Supports stable food supply to local retailers and restaurants.
Competitiveness
Extensive distribution network through community focus and multi-brand deployment
Customers
  • Local Retail Stores
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels
  • Nursing Homes
  • School Lunch Providers
Products
  • Fresh Foods
  • Processed Foods
  • Prepared Foods
  • Frozen Foods

Product Processing and Manufacturing

Overview
Stable production of food processing products such as prepared foods and deli items.
Competitiveness
Quality control through in-house factories and special subsidiary companies
Customers
  • Supermarket Chains
  • Restaurant Chains
  • Event Operators
Products
  • Prepared Food Products
  • Deli Foods
  • PB Products

Logistics Services

Overview
Builds stable supply chains with efficient logistics systems.
Competitiveness
Participation in regional logistics collaboration study group
Customers
  • Own Stores
  • Related Companies
  • Third-Party Logistics Providers
Products
  • Food Delivery
  • Materials Delivery
  • Logistics System Management

Credit and Point Services

Overview
Operation of point systems centered on electronic money.
Competitiveness
Community focus strengthened by alliance with Aeon Group
Customers
  • General Consumers
  • Corporate Members
  • Affiliated Stores
Products
  • Efuka Point Card
  • Electronic Money Services
  • Credit Card Issuance

Nursing Care and Welfare Services

Overview
Provides community-rooted nursing care and welfare services.
Competitiveness
Operations of special subsidiary companies and regional collaboration
Customers
  • Elderly Facilities
  • Disability Facilities
  • Local Governments
Products
  • In-Home Care Support
  • Welfare Facility Operations

Financial and Insurance Services

Overview
Deploys diverse financial products in collaboration with Aeon Group.
Competitiveness
Collaborative framework with Aeon Bank and Aeon Insurance
Customers
  • Consumers
  • Retail Businesses
  • Corporate Customers
Products
  • Credit Cards
  • Insurance Services
  • Housing Loan Services

Real Estate Leasing and Management

Overview
Implements leasing and management of shopping centers and stores.
Competitiveness
Multi-faceted management system rooted in the community
Customers
  • Store Tenants
  • Commercial Facility Owners
  • Corporations
Products
  • Tenant Management
  • Facility Leasing
  • Property Brokerage

Cleaning and Facility Management

Overview
Provides building maintenance services including cleaning management.
Competitiveness
Total management capabilities leveraging regional characteristics
Customers
  • Commercial Facilities
  • Office Buildings
  • Public Institutions
Products
  • Cleaning Services
  • Facility Inspections
  • Security Management

Advertising and Promotion Services

Overview
Provides community-focused promotion support and advertising deployment.
Competitiveness
Customer attraction through integrated point services
Customers
  • Local SMEs
  • Major Headquarters
  • Media Companies
Products
  • In-Store Promotion Planning
  • Regional Advertising
  • Point Campaign Design

IT and Digital Services

Overview
Business efficiency and customer service improvement using IT.
Competitiveness
Utilization of latest technologies through Aeon Group collaboration
Customers
  • Retail Stores
  • Logistics Division
  • Customers
Products
  • Electronic Money Systems
  • Store Management Software
  • Digital Marketing

Education and Training Services

Overview
Provides specialized education and training programs necessary for retail.
Competitiveness
Utilization of integrated training organization through group collaboration
Customers
  • Group Employees
  • Local Store Staff
  • Trainees
Products
  • Human Resource Development Programs
  • Sustainability Training
  • Safety Management Education

Agricultural Support Services

Overview
Business promoting local production for local consumption in collaboration with agriculture.
Competitiveness
Track record in agricultural corporation establishment and direct sales operations
Customers
  • Local Farmers
  • Processors
  • Distributors
Products
  • Direct Farm Produce Sales
  • Agricultural Corporation Operations
  • Production Support Consulting

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Extensive store network focused on local communities
  • Strong capital and operational support from Aeon Group
  • Diverse store brands enabling wide range of business formats
  • Stable financial base and mature management structure
  • Proactive promotion of food loss reduction and environmental measures
  • Customer retention through electronic money and point systems
  • Contributions to local communities and community support activities
  • Synergy effects from diversified business subsidiaries
  • Track record in shopping center development
  • Enhanced cost competitiveness through logistics efficiency
  • Promotion of digital technology adoption
  • Strong local agricultural product supply network
  • Rich product lineup and quality control
  • Clear long-term management strategy and execution capability
  • Customer-focused service and brand image

Competitive Advantages

  • Strengthened management foundation through capital and business alliance with Aeon Group
  • Strong store network in Chugoku-Shikoku region as local market leader
  • Multi-brand store deployment to cater to different customer segments
  • Enhanced corporate value through food loss reduction and sustainability activities
  • Strengthened customer loyalty via integration of WAON electronic money and point cards
  • Supports community formation through large shopping center development
  • Integrated service provision through abundant business subsidiaries
  • Efficiency through logistics network and Chugoku-Shikoku Logistics Study Group
  • Flexibility in product assortment and pricing strategies tailored to regional characteristics
  • Improved payment convenience through credit card services
  • Differentiation through promotion of local production for local consumption via regional agriculture collaboration
  • Continuous store investments and renovations enabled by strong finances
  • High resilience to market fluctuations due to diverse business formats
  • Trust from stakeholders through community contributions
  • Access to Aeon Group's technological innovations and know-how

Threats

  • Market shrinkage risk due to population decline and aging
  • Intensifying competition in the regional retail industry
  • Cost increase pressures from trading partners and supply chains
  • Challenges in responding to changes in consumer purchasing behavior and needs
  • Increased burdens from strengthened food safety and environmental regulations
  • Impact from digital competition and rise of online supermarkets
  • Operational risks from natural disasters or pandemics
  • Risk of new entries by overseas or major domestic chains
  • Disruptions in food supply chains
  • Profit pressure from exchange rate fluctuations and raw material price surges
  • Declining profit margins due to intensifying point competition
  • Human resource acquisition challenges with increasing elderly employees

Innovations

2024: Management Integration with Max Valu West Japan

Overview
Made Max Valu West Japan a wholly-owned subsidiary to strengthen regional markets and achieve management integration.
Impact
Achieved store expansion and improved competitiveness

2023: Full Introduction of Top Value Products

Overview
Leveraged group synergies to start handling Aeon Top Value products across all stores.
Impact
Enriched product lineup and improved cost competitiveness

2022: Rakuwa Midori-i Shopping Center Opening

Overview
Opened new format shopping center 'Rakuwa Midori-i' to expand community-focused commercial facilities.
Impact
Expanded local customer base and strengthened brand power

2023: Agreement with Prefecture on Food Loss Reduction

Overview
Signed agreement with Tokushima Prefecture on food loss reduction and began installing food drive stations in stores.
Impact
Reduced environmental impact and improved corporate image

2024: Launch of Chugoku-Shikoku Logistics Study Group

Overview
Established logistics study group in collaboration with multiple companies to improve regional logistics efficiency.
Impact
Contributes to logistics cost reduction and strengthened supply system

2020: Subsidiary Acquisition of Sunny TSUBAKI

Overview
Acquired Sunny TSUBAKI under management reconstruction to expand business areas.
Impact
Expanded business foundation and strengthened community focus

2020: Launch of Online Supermarket 'Omakase-kun'

Overview
Started new service combining mobile sales and online supermarket.
Impact
Expanded customer touchpoints and improved convenience for elderly

Sustainability

  • 結締結 of agreements with local governments for food loss reduction
  • Installation of in-store food drive corners
  • Promotion of plastic shopping bag reduction
  • Energy efficiency improvements in environmentally considerate stores
  • Local production for local consumption activities through collaboration with regional agriculture
  • Promotion of employment for people with disabilities through special subsidiary operations
  • Promotion of cashless society via electronic money usage
  • Participation in study group establishment for logistics efficiency
  • Promotion of resource recycling business model
  • Expansion of community support initiatives
  • Strengthening of sustainable product procurement
  • Enhancing sustainability awareness through employee training