Hello everyone.
Welcome to Part 2 of my “Rare Things You Might See at Japanese Convenience Stores” series.
Have you ever seen a convenience store in Japan closed during the daytime?
If so, your first thought might be, “Did it go out of business?”
That is certainly one possibility.
However, there is another common explanation—the store may simply be closed for renovations.
Most Japanese convenience stores operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Because of this, refrigerators, shelves, and other equipment gradually wear out over time.
About once every 10 to 15 years, many stores undergo a major renovation. During this period, all of the merchandise is removed, and equipment such as refrigerators, shelves, display cases, and other fixtures may be replaced.
So how can you tell the difference between a permanent closure and a temporary renovation if you can’t read Japanese?
The easiest clue is the notice posted near the entrance.
If the notice shows both a closing date and a reopening date—for example, July 10–July 17—the store is usually closed only for renovations and will reopen on the date shown.
If the notice only says that the store is closing or has closed, it is more likely to be a permanent closure.
One more tip.
If you happen to visit a convenience store on the day it reopens after renovations, it’s worth stopping by.
Many stores celebrate their reopening with special promotions, and popular products are often sold at discounted prices for a limited time.
If you’re lucky enough to come across one of these events, enjoy the bargains!
Thank you for reading, and see you next time!
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