Japan's FamilyMart goes all out: 24-hour gyms and self-service laundromats coming next year

▲Illustration of a Japanese FamilyMart store. (Photo/Reported by Cai Wenjun)

Reported by Cai Wenjun / Comprehensive report

Convenience store clerks in Taiwan are expected to be jacks of all trades—handling inventory, making bubble tea, and addressing customers' most unusual requests. The same applies in Japan, where FamilyMart has now announced plans to install self-service washing machines and gyms in its stores, both operating 24/7 to further diversify its services.

▲Illustration of self-service laundry service. (Photo/Reported by Cai Wenjun)

According to Japanese media reports, FamilyMart plans to start a trial run of self-service laundry services at two suburban stores in the Kanto region from March 2018. The selection criteria will prioritize stores with parking lots, while urban locations will be considered if space permits.

Under FamilyMart's plan, around 15 washing machines and dryers will be installed in total, with laundry priced at approximately 400 yen per use. The service will operate 24 hours a day, with plans to expand to 100 stores by 2019 and 500 stores by 2020. This will not only benefit locals but also provide visiting foreign travelers with a convenient laundry option during extended stays in Japan.

▲FamilyMart sets up 24-hour gym. (Photo/Sourced fromjiji.com)

Additionally, starting from the end of February 2018, FamilyMart stores in Tokyo's Ota Ward will introduce 24-hour compact gyms on the second floor, allowing workouts anytime. During regular hours, three staff members will be on-site (excluding convenience store clerks), while late-night operations will be unmanned.