Many people visiting Japan enjoy shopping at Japanese supermarkets. However, supermarkets in Japan are very diverse.
From friendly supermarkets like “Life”, Kansai’s motherly-class supermarket like “Ikari”, Osaka-specific supermarkets like “Tamaide Supermarket”, to the supermarket we will discuss today, “Tokyu Store”.
Getting to Know Tokyu Store
Tokyu Store (東急ストア) was established in 1956 and is a supermarket chain managed by the Tokyu Group in Japan.
Its stores are spread across the Kanto region, including Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Shizuoka, and more.
Currently, Tokyu Store has 91 stores, with 26 stores at stations called “toks”, 37 general stores, and 6 drug and cosmetic stores. They have been quite successful in running their retail business.
Tokyu Store sells a variety of food products, fresh produce, clothing, and daily necessities.
As part of the Tokyu Group, almost every station on the Tokyu train line has a Tokyu Store, and they are also open for longer hours.
Strategies Used
Although Tokyu Store was previously very popular and considered to be in the “Celebrity Class” in the “Supermarket Class Table,” if we look closely, Tokyu Store locations are not very large, and some are hidden in small alleyways.
This is because they target local customers around their stores by adopting a “individual store management” strategy.
Therefore, the products sold also have regional differences, with the goal of being “the best supermarket in the area,” so prices and product choices are a bit more premium.
In addition to Tokyu Store, there are also smaller Tokyu Store Food Stations that only sell food, and “Precce” which offers premium groceries, all part of the segmented supermarket management strategy by the Tokyu Group.
Read:
LIFE Supermarket, A Must-Visit Shopping Place in Japan
Must-Buy Products
At Tokyu Store, there are products under the “V Mark” brand, which are the result of collaborations with private railway supermarkets.
This brand includes a variety of supermarkets, such as Keio Store, Libre Keisei, Keisei Store, Sotetsu ROSEN, Tokyu Store, and others, offering products with the best quality and best value prices.
The “V Mark” products come in three types: VALUE PLUS for various foods and daily necessities, V Mark GOURMET TABLE focusing on premium fresh, frozen, and chilled food, and V Mark Natudays, which is eco-friendly and healthy.
All of these products are clearly marked on their packaging, so when visiting Tokyu Store, be sure to look for them.
Tokyu Store Branches
If Japafans are interested in experiencing shopping at a “celebrity-class” supermarket, you can visit the Tokyu Store branch at Nakameguro Station.
Although it is smaller, this store is close to Nakameguro Station and Tsutaya Bookstore, making it easily accessible and convenient for shopping!
Recently, with the weakening yen, shopping at Japanese supermarkets has become a popular activity for many people.
This presents an opportunity to shop at higher-class supermarkets.
So, if you’re visiting Japan and passing by a Tokyu Store, don’t hesitate to stop by and explore—who knows, you might find something unexpected!
