A Seiyu supermarket spin-off that grew into one of Japan's biggest convenience store chains
QUICK FACTS
Est. 1973 — best known for convenience stores.
HISTORY
FamilyMart began in 1973 as a convenience store experiment by supermarket operator Seiyu (part of the Seibu group), opening its first store in Sayama, Saitama Prefecture. As convenience stores proved to be a distinct, faster-growing retail format from traditional supermarkets, the chain was spun off as an independent company in 1981.
FamilyMart grew alongside rivals 7-Eleven and Lawson to become one of Japan's 'big three' convenience store chains, known for its fried chicken snack Famichiki and in-store Famima Café coffee. In 2009 it became a subsidiary of trading house ITOCHU Corporation, and in 2016 it merged with regional chain UNY's Circle K Sunkus operations, further expanding its store count nationwide.
PRODUCTS
Signature fried chicken snack sold at the register
In-store self-service coffee counter
Private-label food and daily goods line
TIMELINE
This page is compiled from publicly available company history and is provided for general reference only. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult the brand's official website.