A new and innovative unstaffed mobile convenience store has recently been introduced at the construction site of the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo in the Konohana Ward of Osaka. This self-sufficient FamilyMart outlet is a welcome addition for workers at remote construction sites, offering a convenient solution for their daily needs. The store, which is easily transportable and can be relocated within the vast work site, currently sits adjacent to the under-construction Osaka Healthcare Pavilion on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Konohana Ward.
Measuring 14 square meters, this mobile convenience store operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., serving construction workers with a wide selection of approximately 280 items including bento lunch boxes, instant noodles, soft drinks, and refrigerated food products. To make purchases, customers have the option to pay for items using prepaid cards or credit cards at two self-checkout machines. It is important to note that cash transactions are not accepted at this innovative store. The store's energy needs are met through a combination of solar panels, a diesel generator, and battery storage, ensuring its self-sufficiency and sustainability on-site.
The concept of the mobile convenience store was developed by Takenaka Corp., a contractor for the expo site, to address the challenges faced by workers in obtaining meals while working. This project, which involved collaboration between Takenaka Corp., FamilyMart Co., Hitachi High-Tech Corp., and Croco Art Factory, marks the first unmanned trailer-style convenience store of its kind in Japan. The companies behind this initiative envision this model as a potential solution for disaster-stricken areas and areas with limited shopping options due to sparse populations, highlighting its adaptability and potential convenience in different scenarios beyond construction sites.