Yamazawa

Basic Information

Stock Code
9993
Industry
Retail
Category Detail
General Merchandise & Food Retailers
Prefecture
Yamagata Prefecture
Establishment Year
October 1962
Listing Year
September 1994
Official Website
https://yamazawa.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Halows, Hokuyu Lucky, Daikokuten Bussan, United Super Markets Holdings, Maruyoshi, Life Corporation, Max Valu Tokai, Axial Retailing, Yaoko, Senkon Logistics, Arcs, Baro Holdings, Belc

Overview

Yamazawa is a major food supermarket chain centered in the Tohoku region, founded in 1962, boasting a regionally integrated store network and strong customer support.

Current Situation

Yamazawa recorded consolidated sales of approximately 112.9 billion yen in the fiscal year ending February 2021, operating 44 stores in Yamagata Prefecture and 19 in Miyagi Prefecture, maintaining top-class regional market share. In Akita Prefecture, it is expanding its business through the full acquisition of Yoneya Shoji as a wholly-owned subsidiary. The core food supermarket business employs a self-service format with optimized shelving and product assortments tailored to local needs. In recent years, it has actively introduced the mobile supermarket service 'Tokushimaru' and Rakuten Point Card, focusing on enhancing customer convenience. During disasters, it provided support to the Great East Japan Earthquake-affected areas, contributing to the community. As a member of the Nikkei Group's 'Japan Distribution Industries,' it advances logistics cost reductions and procurement efficiencies. For the future, it continues evaluating store openings in Tohoku and North Tohoku regions, strengthening industry ties via the All Japan Supermarket Association, and accelerating innovations like digital payments. Financially, it maintains a solid base with paid-in capital of approximately 2.3871 billion yen and consolidated net assets of about 28.7 billion yen. It aims for growth by balancing locally rooted store operations with diverse customer needs.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Yamazawa's predecessor was Yamazawa Pharmacy, founded in 1952.
  • Opened Japan's first full-scale self-service supermarket in front of Yamagata Station in 1962.
  • Opened its first store in Miyagi Prefecture in 1984, entering Tohoku region.
  • Fully acquired Yoneya Shoji in 2014 to enter Akita Prefecture.
  • Early adopter of mobile supermarket 'Tokushimaru' for elderly support.
  • Advanced among regional supermarkets with Rakuten Point Card introduction.
  • Strengthening procurement and logistics via Nichiriu Group membership.
  • Supports local youth sports teams through TV commercials.
  • Achieved resource concentration by absorbing Yoneya Shoji in 2023.
  • Paid-in capital approx. 2.3 billion yen, over 1,200 consolidated employees as regional major.
  • Izumioka store in Sendai Izumi Ward, Miyagi, closed in 2020 due to aging.
  • Many former stores repurposed for regional redevelopment facilities.
  • Business diversification including pharmaceuticals and food processing via subsidiaries.
  • Continues management deeply integrated with local society over many years.
  • Founder Shinsuke Yamazawa greatly contributed to regional business development.

Hidden Connections

  • Member of Nichiriu Group, sharing group logistics infrastructure.
  • Strengthened ties with Akita's distribution industry upon acquiring Yoneya Shoji shares.
  • Promotes EC and digital collaboration via Rakuten Point service introduction.
  • Strengthened community bonds by supporting disaster-affected stores in Great East Japan Earthquake.
  • Subsidiary Yamazawa Pharmacy handles drugstore operations.
  • Contributes to value enhancement of local products via regional agricultural corporation.
  • Focuses on elderly shopping support with mobile supermarket 'Tokushimaru'.
  • Collaborates with local communities through support for sports teams.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Stable customer base expansion via regionally focused store development
  • Improved customer convenience and operational efficiency through DX
  • Growth strategy for elderly mobile sales services
  • Procurement enhancement via Nichiriu Group network utilization
  • Advancement of local sourcing and original product expansion
  • Acceleration of SDGs and environmentally considerate business
  • Revenue base strengthening through business diversification
  • Competitive edge improvement via store renewals and new formats
  • Brand value enhancement through strengthened regional ties
  • Customer retention via digital payments and point services
  • Cost reductions through logistics optimization and delivery efficiency
  • Market expansion and resource focus via M&A

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve 100 stores in Tohoku and North Tohoku regions
  • Expand business to annual sales of 200 billion yen scale
  • Advance environmental load reduction and sustainable management
  • Secure top regional share in elderly services
  • Improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction via DX
  • Maximize synergies through consolidated subsidiary integration
  • Promote local sourcing by expanding sales channels for regional products
  • Diversify revenue through new businesses and formats
  • Strengthen digital marketing via partnerships like Rakuten
  • Create social value through regional collaboration

Business Segments

Alliance Sales to Local Producers

Overview
Collaborates with local producers to supply quality-controlled foods.
Competitiveness
Locally rooted trust network
Customers
  • Farmers
  • Fishermen
  • Local Food Manufacturers
  • Agricultural Corporations
Products
  • Vegetables and Fruits
  • Fresh Fish
  • Processed Food Ingredients
  • Agricultural Processed Products

Wholesale for Business Use

Overview
Provides stable supply services tailored to local business markets.
Competitiveness
Rapid delivery system and meticulous support
Customers
  • Restaurants
  • School Meal Providers
  • Hotels
  • Hospitals and Welfare Facilities
Products
  • General Ingredients
  • Processed Foods
  • Frozen Foods
  • Ready-to-Eat Foods

Logistics Services

Overview
Optimizes product supply through efficient logistics management.
Competitiveness
Efficient local logistics network
Customers
  • Group Companies
  • Related Retailers
Products
  • Delivery Services
  • Inventory Management
  • Procurement Support

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Extensive regionally integrated store network
  • Strong procurement power via Nichiriu Group membership
  • Versatile sales channel responsiveness
  • Solid financial foundation
  • High regional brand recognition
  • Effective dominant area strategy
  • New services via mobile supermarket introduction
  • Digital payments like Rakuten Points
  • Business diversification through consolidated subsidiaries
  • Long-term trust built in the region
  • High employee retention rate
  • Active participation in local events
  • Services spanning wide age groups
  • Stable product supply system
  • Proactive M&A strategy

Competitive Advantages

  • Maintains top market share with regionally focused stores across multiple prefectures
  • Secures cost competitiveness through Nichiriu Group's joint purchasing power
  • Expands customer support by focusing on region-specific product development and local sourcing
  • Advances digitalization for customer convenience with electronic money and point cards
  • Addresses shopping-challenged individuals with mobile supermarket 'Tokushimaru'
  • Diversifies business with drugstore and food processing subsidiaries
  • High brand loyalty from strong community ties
  • Maintains stable operations with high equity ratio and prudent financial management
  • Succeeds in efficient operations and customer retention via dominant strategy
  • Differentiates with handling of local seasonal ingredients and specialties
  • Enhances recognition through local advertising and event sponsorships
  • Provides flexible services with quick store-level decisions and customer response
  • Continues rapid disaster support and community contributions
  • Strengthens supply chain via joint ventures with local producers and agricultural corporations
  • Strategically expands in Akita via acquisition of Yoneya Shoji

Threats

  • Market contraction risk from rapid population decline
  • Intensified competition from major national chains entering North Tohoku
  • Decline in in-store demand due to EC market growth
  • Profit pressure from raw material price fluctuations
  • Supply chain disruptions from natural disasters or pandemics
  • Challenges adapting to shopping style changes from aging population
  • Rising store operation costs from labor shortages
  • Increased costs for store renewals or closures from inter-regional competition
  • Need to respond to shifting consumer health and environmental awareness
  • Business cost increases from stricter social regulations
  • Competitive disadvantage from rivals' accelerated DX investments
  • Profit margin erosion from rising logistics costs

Innovations

2020: Launch of Mobile Supermarket 'Tokushimaru'

Overview
Initiated mobile supermarket service to support shopping-challenged individuals.
Impact
Contributes to elderly life support and customer base expansion.

2024: Introduction of Rakuten Point Card and Rakuten Edy

Overview
Introduced common point service and IC electronic money in stores.
Impact
Improves customer convenience and promotes digital payments.

2023: Absorption Merger of Yoneya Shoji Completed

Overview
Merger aimed at consolidating Akita operations and improving efficiency.
Impact
Strengthens market share and store network in Akita.

2021: Selected Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market

Overview
Affirmed intent to maintain listing amid market reclassification.
Impact
Adapts to market environment and stabilizes funding.

2024: Overhaul of Digital Payments and Point Card Services

Overview
Transitioned from proprietary point card to Rakuten services.
Impact
Strengthens customer retention and usage promotion.

2022: Advancing New Store Rebuilds and Major Renewals

Overview
Strengthening store network via rebuilding aging stores and new openings.
Impact
Boosts sales power and customer satisfaction.

2023: Enhanced In-Store Deli and Local Product Offerings

Overview
Expanded lineup of regional specialties and deli items.
Impact
Supports product differentiation and repeat customer rate improvement.

2020: Completion of New Head Office Building and Logistics Equipment Upgrade

Overview
Facility renewal to build efficient logistics system.
Impact
Improves delivery efficiency and reduces costs.

2021: Established Agricultural Production Corporation via Regional Collaboration

Overview
Jointly with local farmers to strengthen agricultural production and raw material supply.
Impact
Achieves stable supply and regional contributions.

2024: Plan to Introduce Experimental New Format Stores

Overview
Store model experiments targeting enhanced customer contact and new acquisitions.
Impact
Leading indicators for improved customer experience and sales promotion.

Sustainability

  • Promoting local sourcing through active introduction of regional agricultural products
  • Implementing food waste reduction and reuse programs
  • Advancing paid plastic bags to reduce plastic use
  • Introducing and updating energy-efficient store equipment
  • Building rapid supply support systems for disaster-affected areas
  • Conducting environmental awareness training and CSR programs for employees
  • Active participation in local cleanups and events
  • Promoting recyclable packaging materials
  • Considering eco-point programs in stores
  • Improvements aiming for CO2 reduction via enhanced transport efficiency