A: Hey there, have you heard the latest news about our favorite convenience store?
B: Not yet, what's up?

A: They're using AI to make things more efficient! Isn't that cool?
B: Oh, really? Tell me more!

A: Well, FamilyMart has introduced this system at about 500 stores. It looks at past sales, foot traffic, and weather patterns to suggest orders for each store.
B: Wow, that sounds smart! What kind of stuff does it order?

A: Mainly bread, sandwiches, onigiri rice balls, and other products. They say this system cuts the time needed for placing orders in half and reduces out-of-stock rates by 4%.
B: That's pretty amazing! What about other retailers? Are they doing something similar?

A: Yeah, even big guys like Aeon are using AI. They decide on price discounts for packaged meals and fresh foods at their supermarkets.
B: Seems like everyone is jumping on the AI bandwagon these days! Thanks for sharing this with me!

Quizzes:
1. What kind of information does the AI system analyze to make order suggestions?
a) Foot traffic, past sales, and weather patterns
b) Customer preferences and demographics
c) Stock levels and market trends
d) Sales data and competitor prices

2. Which retailer introduced the AI system at about 500 nationwide outlets?
a) FamilyMart
b) Aeon
c) Seven-Eleven
d) Lawson

3. What are the benefits of using this AI technology according to FamilyMart's official Takahashi Hiroshi?
a) Improved efficiency and labor savings
b) Reduced out-of-stock rates by 4%
c) Increased profitability through optimal purchase orders
d) All of the above

4. What does Aeon use AI for in their supermarkets?
a) Price discounts for packaged meals and fresh foods
b) Deciding on product placement and arrangement
c) Analyzing customer preferences to suggest personalized offers
d) Both a and b
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Retailers in Japan are using artificial intelligence to improve efficiency as they face labor shortages.
AI is helping to place orders and manage inventory.



The FamilyMart convenience store chain introduced AI at about 500 nationwide outlets in June. The technology analyzes sales over the past year, people flow, and the weather to recommend purchase orders for each store.



FamilyMart uses the system for placing orders for bread, sandwiches, "onigiri" rice balls and other products.



Officials say the system cuts in half the time needed for placing orders and reduces out-of-stock rates by about 4 percent.



The company says it may introduce the technology at more outlets.
FamilyMart official Takahashi Hiroshi says AI can make calculations from large amounts of data at speeds beyond human capabilities.



"We want to use AI and digital technology for efficiency and labor-saving efforts," he said. "In addition, we hope to increase the profitability of our stores by optimizing purchase orders in terms of quantity and quality."



Retail giant Aeon is also using AI to decide on price discounts for packaged meals and fresh foods at supermarkets.