Why Combini Stores Are Not Popular in Europe Combini stores, or "konbini" as they are called in Japan, are small convenience stores that have been hugely successful in Asia, particularly in Japan and South Korea. They offer a wide range of products, including fresh food, drinks, snacks, household goods, gifts, and more. They are often open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are located in convenient locations such as train stations, intersections, and residential neighborhoods. There are several reasons why the Combini Store culture is not yet widespread in Europe: Cultural Differences: Consumer habits in Europe are different from those in Asia. In Europe, people tend to shop at large supermarkets once or twice a week, while in Asia they shop more frequently at smaller stores. Additionally, in Europe, people tend to cook more often at home, while in Asia it is more common to eat out or buy takeout. Regulation: In Europe, there are strict regulations for opening and running retail stores. These regulations can make it difficult to open Combini Stores, which are often small and have extended hours. Competition: In Europe, there is already strong competition from supermarkets, discount stores, and grocery stores. Combini Stores may have difficulty competing with these established players. Lack of Economies of Scale: In order to be successful, Combini Stores need to benefit from economies of scale. This means that they need to have a high volume of sales in order to be profitable. In Europe, with its more dispersed population and fragmented markets, it may be difficult for Combini Stores to achieve the necessary economies of scale. Pros and Cons of Combini Stores in Italy Pros: Convenience: Combini Stores offer a convenient option for people who need to do a quick shop or buy a specific item. Accessibility: Combini Stores are often open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are located in convenient locations, making them easily accessible. Variety: Combini Stores offer a wide range of products, including fresh food, drinks, snacks, household goods, gifts, and more. Flexibility: Combini Stores can be adapted to the specific needs of the neighborhood in which they are located. Cons: Cost: Opening and running a Combini Store can be expensive, due to regulations, competition, and the need to have a high volume of sales. Environmental Impact: Combini Stores often sell packaged and disposable products, which can have a negative impact on the environment. Impact on Local Businesses: The opening of Combini Stores could damage small grocery stores and other local businesses. Why They Are Not Opening in Italy Despite the potential benefits, there are several reasons why Combini Stores are not yet widespread in Italy: Lack of Interest: There is not yet a great deal of interest in Combini Stores from Italian consumers. Barriers to Entry: Regulations and competition make it difficult to open Combini Stores in Italy. Lack of Operators: There are not yet many operators interested in opening Combini Stores in Italy. However, it is possible that the Combini Store culture could spread to Italy in the future. If Italian consumers start to demand this type of service, it is likely that operators will start to open Combini Stores to meet this demand. Some companies are already experimenting with the Combini Store format in Italy. For example, Esselunga has opened some "Esselunga to go" stores that are similar to Combini Stores. Conad has also launched a pilot project to open smaller format stores. It remains to be seen whether these experiments will be successful and whether they will lead to a more widespread adoption of the Combini Store format in Italy.