Yaoko

Basic Information

Stock Code
8279
Industry
Retail
Category Detail
General Merchandise & Food Retailers
Prefecture
Saitama Prefecture
Establishment Year
July 1957
Listing Year
February 1988
Official Website
https://www.yaoko-net.com/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Halows, Daikokuten Shokusan, United Super Markets Holdings, JM Holdings, Life Corp, Max Valu Tokai, Axial Retailing, Mami Mart, Arcs, Baro Holdings, Berg

Overview

Yaoko was incorporated in 1957 and continues to grow as a major food supermarket chain centered in Saitama Prefecture, expanding across the Kanto region with its unique store formats and strong local community strategies.

Current Situation

Yaoko achieved consolidated sales of 736.4 billion yen, operating profit of 33.4 billion yen, and net profit of 20.2 billion yen for the fiscal year ending March 2025, maintaining solid management as a food supermarket chain in the Kanto region. Operating 199 stores mainly in Saitama and Chiba prefectures, it introduced self-service formats early to strengthen market competitiveness. It differentiates through private brands such as 'Yes!YAOKO' and 'star select,' focusing on product development and customer satisfaction. It secures efficient sales channels through new logistics centers and expansion of online supermarket operations. Aiming for sustainable management, it actively engages in community collaboration and social contribution activities. In 2024, it made Sendou a consolidated subsidiary to expand its area and strengthen its management base. In the future, it plans to transition to a holding company structure to accelerate group-wide growth strategies.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Founded in 1890 as the fruit and vegetable shop 'Yaoyukou Shoten,' a long-established company.
  • Introduced the first self-service store in northern Kanto at Tomo Kawano's suggestion.
  • Famous for its company-wide sports day held on store closure day.
  • Strong support as a local brand through community-focused management.
  • Private brand 'Yes!YAOKO' receives high evaluations.
  • Operates unique cashless payment Yaoko Pay.
  • Continuously donates to child support foundation and pediatric research.
  • Actively sponsors Saitama Seibu Lions.
  • Flexible response to market needs through diverse store brands.
  • Operates multiple community-focused logistics centers.
  • Sponsors local soccer club aiming for J-League entry.
  • Featured on TV Tokyo in 2010, gaining attention.
  • Achieves stable growth through ongoing family management.
  • Recently added Chiba supermarket 'Sendou' to the group.
  • Utilizes collaborative ads with professional baseball teams in corporate advertising.

Hidden Connections

  • Founding family has long managed the company with deep ties to the local community.
  • Jointly develops private brand products with peer Life Corporation to strengthen collaboration.
  • Logistics operations supported by Asahi Logistics for efficiency.
  • Diversifying into discount store business via in-house Fukotto.
  • Many regional stores anchor as key tenants in Unicus commercial facilities.
  • Established child support foundation contributing to local healthcare and education.
  • Contributes to regional sports promotion through collaborations with local baseball team.
  • Group store format diversification is a strategy adapted to local market characteristics.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expansion of solid customer base through community-focused stores
  • New customer acquisition via improved online supermarket convenience
  • Enhanced private brand products and differentiation
  • Sales area and market share expansion through M&A
  • Cost reduction and efficiency via advanced logistics
  • Improved customer experience through strengthened digital technology use
  • Response to new consumer needs via diverse store formats
  • Brand image enhancement through sustainability management
  • Trust building via deepened community collaborations
  • Strengthened response to health-oriented foods and services
  • Productivity improvement through employee work style reforms
  • Purchase promotion via cashless payment adoption

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve group sales of 1 trillion yen scale
  • Private brand sales ratio over 50%
  • Promote management efficiency via holding company structure
  • Establish sustainable management and reduce environmental impact
  • Nationwide rollout and strengthening of online supermarket
  • Deepen coexistence with communities and value creation
  • Advanced digital marketing and customer communication
  • Enhanced talent development and diverse work styles
  • Active rollout of new formats and services
  • Establish sustainable agriculture and food supply chains

Business Segments

Store Operations Support

Overview
Management and logistics support to improve store operational efficiency.
Competitiveness
Local-focused efficient store support system
Customers
  • Retail Stores
  • Franchise Stores
  • Logistics Providers
Products
  • Store Management System
  • Inventory Management Service
  • Logistics Support

Logistics Services

Overview
Provides wide-ranging logistics services in collaboration with in-house logistics network.
Competitiveness
Optimized regional logistics network
Customers
  • Group Companies
  • Partner Supermarkets
  • External Retailers
Products
  • Logistics Center Operations
  • Product Delivery Service
  • Warehouse Management

Manufacturing / Processing Services

Overview
Manufacturing and processing of prepared foods and PB products at in-house factories.
Competitiveness
High-quality in-house production technology
Customers
  • Own Stores
  • External Retail Stores
  • Restaurant Chains
Products
  • Prepared Food Manufacturing
  • Food Processing
  • PB Product Production

IT / Marketing Support

Overview
Supports sales promotion and customer management via IT platforms.
Competitiveness
Customer-focused support using latest technology
Customers
  • Group Stores
  • Partner Companies
  • Local Shopping Districts
Products
  • Customer Analytics Tools
  • Online Supermarket System
  • Promotion Support Services

Agriculture Support Business

Overview
Production support for stable supply and quality control of agricultural products.
Competitiveness
Collaborative strength promoting local production for local consumption
Customers
  • Local Farmers
  • Producer Groups
  • Group Stores
Products
  • Agricultural Product Production Support
  • Contract Farming Support
  • Product Distribution Management

Logistics Equipment Sales

Overview
Provision and maintenance of equipment related to warehouses and delivery.
Competitiveness
Expertise in selecting equipment tailored to logistics sites
Customers
  • Group Logistics
  • External Logistics Companies
  • Store Operators
Products
  • Logistics Vehicles
  • Warehouse Equipment
  • Conveyance Equipment

Security / Facility Management

Overview
Safety and environmental management for stores and related facilities.
Competitiveness
Comprehensive facility management ensuring safety
Customers
  • Head Office Facilities
  • Stores
  • Client Facilities
Products
  • Security Services
  • Cleaning Management
  • Insurance Agency Services

Advertising / Promotion Services

Overview
Local-focused sales promotion and brand strengthening support.
Competitiveness
Customer-oriented promotions rooted in the community
Customers
  • Own Stores
  • Group Companies
  • Local Events
Products
  • Advertising Planning
  • Campaign Operations
  • Promotion Support

Logistics Center Operation Outsourcing

Overview
Outsourced efficient logistics operations to achieve customer satisfaction.
Competitiveness
Region-specific efficient operation technology
Customers
  • Yaoko-Related Companies
  • External Distribution Companies
  • Retail Companies
Products
  • Product Sorting
  • Delivery Arrangement / Coordination
  • Inventory Management

Waste Disposal Services

Overview
Proper processing of food-related waste and environmentally considerate services.
Competitiveness
Processing technology considerate of environmental impact reduction
Customers
  • Group Stores
  • Local Companies
  • Commercial Facilities
Products
  • Food Waste Collection
  • Recycling Support
  • Environmental Consulting

Education / Training Services

Overview
Training to improve skills in store operations and customer service.
Competitiveness
Practical education based on extensive on-site experience
Customers
  • Group Employees
  • Partner Companies
  • Local Workers
Products
  • Sales Technique Training
  • Customer Service Manners Courses
  • Management Know-How Sharing

Home Delivery / Online Supermarket Business

Overview
Online food sales and home delivery services.
Competitiveness
Rapid and courteous delivery network closely tied to the community
Customers
  • General Consumers
  • Elderly Market
  • Child-Rearing Families
Products
  • Online Supermarket Delivery
  • Reservation Sales
  • Food Home Delivery Service

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Strong regional brand loyalty
  • Stable management through long-term family ownership
  • Early adoption of self-service format
  • Robust private brand lineup
  • Efficient and extensive logistics network
  • Utilization of diverse sales channels
  • Scale advantages from extensive store network
  • High product quality and freshness management
  • Strong trust with local communities
  • Flexible store format development and rollout
  • Advanced IT system implementation
  • High customer satisfaction and repeat rate
  • Promotion of sustainable management strategies
  • Strong social contribution activities
  • Solid financial foundation

Competitive Advantages

  • Secured strong regional market share centered in Kanto
  • Early self-service implementation for efficiency
  • Successful customer retention through PB differentiation
  • Improved delivery efficiency via logistics centers and online supermarket
  • Maximized synergy effects with group companies
  • Rapid decision-making enabled by family management
  • Diverse store types tailored to needs
  • Community-focused services through stakeholder collaboration
  • Customer analysis and marketing using latest technology
  • Area expansion through active M&A
  • Enhanced brand value via environmental considerations and community contributions
  • Maintained service quality through high employee satisfaction
  • Strengthened cost competitiveness with high-efficiency logistics
  • Stable supply through robust supply chain management
  • Broad customer coverage via multi-channel sales strategy

Threats

  • Market shrinkage risk from declining birthrate and aging population
  • Intensified competition with major supermarkets in urban areas
  • Fierce competition in online food sales market
  • Increased cost burden from rising labor expenses
  • Risk of logistics and supply chain disruptions from natural disasters
  • Demands for strengthened food safety responses
  • Increased management costs from stricter regulations
  • Offensives from new entrants
  • Pressure for advanced product freshness management
  • Risk from regional economic fluctuations
  • Rising import product costs from exchange rate fluctuations
  • Delays in responding to diversifying local customer preferences

Innovations

2024: Sendou made consolidated subsidiary

Overview
Raised ownership in Chiba-based supermarket Sendou to 66% to make it a consolidated subsidiary.
Impact
Aims to expand sales area and strengthen group synergies.

2023: Fukotto Fukaya store opening

Overview
Opened new discount store format in Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture.
Impact
Strengthens low-cost operations and price competitiveness.

2021: Online supermarket new system migration

Overview
Migrated Yaoko Online Supermarket to a new platform to improve convenience.
Impact
Contributes to higher customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

2021: In-house factory brand 'eat!YAOKO' launch

Overview
Started in-house manufacturing of PB products emphasizing quality and freshness.
Impact
Contributes to competitive superiority and margin improvement.

2021: Yaoko Pay introduction

Overview
Introduced cashless payment 'Yaoko Pay' for stores and online services.
Impact
Achieved improved customer convenience and strengthened points program.

2020: New logistics center establishment and optimization

Overview
Opened Kasuga Logistics Center and promoted efficiency in existing centers.
Impact
Effective in improving delivery efficiency and reducing logistics costs.

2024: Holding company 'Blue Zone Holdings' to be established

Overview
Plans to establish holding company in October 2025 to improve overall group management efficiency.
Impact
Promotes management efficiency and strategic decision-making.

2022: New store format 'Yaoko Marketplace' rollout

Overview
Expanding diverse store formats from urban to suburban areas based on Sayama store model.
Impact
Sales growth through store strategies tailored to regional needs.

2023: Smartphone app 'Yaoko App' functionality enhancement

Overview
Implemented UI improvements and service expansions to enhance customer convenience.
Impact
Contributes to strengthened customer touchpoints and purchase promotion.

2021: Agriculture business 'Yaoko Farm' launch

Overview
Launched in-house agriculture business to improve freshness and quality.
Impact
Contributes to supply stabilization and promoting local production for local consumption.

Sustainability

  • Promoting local production for local consumption through community collaboration
  • Strengthening sales strategies to reduce food loss
  • Expanding introduction of renewable energy in stores
  • Efforts to reduce plastic packaging materials
  • Measures to improve employee work-life balance
  • Building environmentally considerate logistics systems
  • Actively engaging in social contributions and support for local communities
  • Management of sustainable procurement and supply chains
  • Active promotion and disclosure of CSR activities
  • Advancing waste recycling and reduction programs
  • Continuous improvement of food safety management standards
  • Introduction of energy efficiency technologies