Foreigners traveling to Japan often love visiting local supermarkets.
The reason?
Not only because Japan offers unique local fruits different from those in their home countries, but also because the prices are often more affordable compared to imported ones.
Japan has various types of supermarkets, from budget-friendly daily markets, wholesale stores selling items in bulk at low prices, to standard supermarkets with affordable options.
Let’s dive deeper into one of Japan’s favorites—Gyomu Super—through this article!
Gyomu Super
If you’ve been to Japan, chances are you’ve heard of Gyomu Super (業務スーパー). Founded by Kobe Products in 2000, Gyomu Super has grown into a vast franchise network. By 2022, there were over 1,000 Gyomu Super branches spread across Japan.
Compared to regular supermarkets, Gyomu Super offers fewer product variations and has smaller store sizes, but it certainly brings its own unique charm.
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Gyomu Super’s Strategy
Gyomu Super focuses mainly on food products, with the mission of “providing quality products at affordable prices” to improve people’s quality of life.
They also apply the “one-stop production and sales” concept to cut down on distribution time and costs, allowing them to offer lower prices.
The supermarket takes pride in developing its own private-label products and imports a wide range of frozen foods in bulk from countries like France, Italy, the USA, Southeast Asia, and India.
This strategy allows Gyomu Super to maintain highly competitive prices.
For foreigners living in Japan, Gyomu Super has become a go-to place to find flavors from home—like century eggs, egg pancake wraps, or Vietnamese spring roll wrappers.
Many customers return after finding their favorite items, making Gyomu Super successful in attracting a diverse range of shoppers.
What Makes Gyomu Super Unique?
As its name suggests, Gyomu Super is famous for selling large-packaged products at low unit prices. But it’s not just for wholesale buyers—retail customers are also welcome.
When you walk into a Gyomu Super store, you’ll notice that product sizes aren’t as oversized as those in American wholesale chains, making it a popular daily shopping spot for locals.
One of Gyomu Super’s standout features is its “daily discount” promotions.
Instead of using printed flyers, the supermarket posts special offers on a dedicated page on their official website and social media. This approach saves costs and is environmentally friendly.
Must-Buy Products at Gyomu Super
The most recommended items at Gyomu Super are their frozen food selections, including:
- Frozen udon
- Salmon
- Hamburgers
- Various fried foods
If you’re staying in a guesthouse or hotel apartment with a kitchen or microwave, you can buy these products and cook them yourself—saving money while enjoying authentic Japanese everyday meals.
The bakery section is also a favorite, offering a wide range of ready-to-eat bread that’s both cheap and practical—often selling out quickly. One popular item is the “natural yeast bread”, a must-try if you spot it!
Looking for affordable souvenirs? Gyomu Super also stocks famous Japanese snacks in bulk packages at budget-friendly prices. Grab KitKats, POCKY, or Koikeya chips—perfect for bringing home to family or coworkers without breaking the bank.
Gyomu Super Advantages
After reading this, do you feel like you know Gyomu Super better?
Since August 2021, in response to technological advancements and the pandemic, some branches have started adopting AI systems.
With this technology, store managers can:
- Monitor stock in real-time
- Help customers access product information and prices easily
- Offer self-checkout services without staff assistance
Although not all branches have this system yet, it’s an exciting innovation to check out when you visit Japan!
