Low-cost operations and labor productivity
First written in FY2016. 25 of 44 entries say "Advanced", first in FY2017-Q1. Latest entry: FY2027-H1.
The whole theme swung hardest in 2025: 2 of 9 companies on the "Worse" side.
0 other companies' latest entry also says "Worsened".
- FY2027-H1WorsenedAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥841 million from the same period of the previous year due to regular pay raises, increases in base salaries, new hiring and higher social insurance contributions. The ratio to sales increased 0.2 percentage points year on year to 14.7%. The labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) increased 0.5 percentage points year on year to 51.3%.」
Personnel expenses increased ¥841 million year on year, resulting in a personnel expense ratio of 14.7% and a labor distribution ratio of 51.3%. While productivity improvements and cost controls continued, the labor cost burden deteriorated during the interim period. - FY2026WorsenedAnnual report
「Although we are pursuing appropriate staffing and productivity improvements, personnel expenses increased by ¥1,853 million from the same period of the previous year due to new hiring associated with new store openings and other factors, proactive wage increases and higher social insurance contributions, among other factors. The ratio to sales was 14.5%, unchanged from the same period of the previous year, while the labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) increased 0.7 percentage points year on year to 50.6%.」
Personnel expenses increased ¥1,853 million year on year, and the labor distribution ratio rose to 50.6%. While productivity improvements and cost controls continued, the burden from wage increases, hiring and social insurance contributions was evident for the full year. - FY2026-H1Higher personnel expenses and labor distribution ratio alongside cost controlsAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥1,059 million from the same period of the previous year due to regular pay raises, increases in base salaries, new hiring and higher social insurance contributions. The ratio to sales decreased 0.2 percentage points year on year to 14.5%. The labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) increased 0.5 percentage points year on year to 50.8%.」
Total personnel expenses increased ¥1,059 million year on year, and the labor distribution ratio rose to 50.8%. The company explained that increases in various expenses associated with an aggressive sales strategy were absorbed through controls and reductions in miscellaneous expenses, digitalization and working-hours management. - FY2025WorsenedAnnual report
「Although we are pursuing appropriate staffing and productivity improvements, personnel expenses increased by ¥1,946 million from the same period of the previous year due to new hiring associated with new store openings and other factors, proactive wage increases and higher social insurance contributions, among other factors. The ratio to sales increased 0.1 percentage points year on year to 14.5%, and the labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) increased 0.7 percentage points to 49.9%.」
Personnel expenses increased ¥1,946 million year on year, resulting in a personnel expense ratio of 14.5% and a labor distribution ratio of 49.9%. While appropriate staffing and productivity improvements are being pursued, cost pressures from wage increases, hiring and social insurance contributions were evident for the full year. - FY2025-H1WorsenedAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥1,200 million from the same period of the previous year due to regular pay raises, increases in base salaries, new hiring and higher social insurance contributions. The ratio to sales increased 0.4 percentage points year on year to 14.7%. The labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) increased 1.4 percentage points year on year to 50.3%.」
Total personnel expenses increased ¥1,200 million year on year, and the personnel expense ratio rose to 14.7% and the labor distribution ratio to 50.3%. Indicators of productivity and cost efficiency deteriorated during the interim period. - FY2024AdvancedAnnual report
「Although we are pursuing appropriate staffing and productivity improvements, personnel expenses increased by ¥1,668 million from the same period of the previous year due to new hiring associated with new store openings and other factors, proactive regular pay raises, increases in base salaries and higher social insurance contributions, among other factors. The ratio to sales decreased 0.2 percentage points year on year to 14.4%, and the labor distribution ratio decreased 0.7 percentage points to 49.2%.」
Although total personnel expenses increased, the personnel expense ratio and labor distribution ratio declined, with improvements in productivity and cost efficiency reflected in the figures. - FY2024-Q3AdvancedAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥789 million from the same period of the previous year due to regular pay raises, increases in base salaries, new hiring and higher social insurance contributions. The ratio to sales decreased 0.3 percentage points year on year to 14.1%, and the labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) decreased 1.3 percentage points to 48.0%. Utilities expenses decreased by ¥206 million year on year due to lower unit prices after the end of the recent period of price increases, lower fuel-cost adjustment charges and renewable-energy surcharges, as well as savings from upgrading energy-saving equipment and introducing solar power generation.」
Although total personnel expenses increased, the personnel expense ratio declined to 14.1% and the labor distribution ratio to 48.0%. Utilities expenses also decreased by ¥206 million due to upgrades to energy-saving equipment and the introduction of solar power generation, with efficiency improvements reflected in the figures. - FY2024-Q2AdvancedAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥449 million from the same period of the previous year due to regular pay raises, increases in base salaries, new hiring and higher social insurance contributions. The ratio to sales decreased 0.5 percentage points year on year to 14.3%. The labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) decreased 1.6 percentage points year on year to 48.9%.」
While total personnel expenses increased, the ratio to sales declined to 14.3% and the labor distribution ratio to 48.9%, with the improvement in efficiency reflected in the figures. - FY2024-Q1AdvancedAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥188 million from the same period of the previous year due to regular pay raises, increases in base salaries, new hiring and higher social insurance contributions. The ratio to sales decreased 0.4 percentage points year on year to 14.7%. The labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) decreased 1.6 percentage points year on year to 50.1%.」
While total personnel expenses increased, the ratio to sales and the labor distribution ratio declined. The effects of cost-cutting and profit-securing measures were reflected in a selling, general and administrative expense ratio of 25.0% and an operating margin of 4.4%. - FY2023Expenses increasing alongside efficiency improvementsAnnual report
「Although we are pursuing appropriate staffing and productivity improvements, personnel expenses increased by ¥785 million from the same period of the previous year due to an increase in personnel associated with new store openings and other factors, regular pay raises, increases in base salaries and higher social insurance premium rates, among other factors. The ratio to sales decreased 0.2 percentage points year on year to 14.6%, and the labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) decreased 0.5 percentage points to 49.9%. We are working to reduce utilities expenses through a review of contract terms and the introduction of energy-saving equipment, but the impact of substantial electricity rate increases resulted in an increase of ¥1,547 million year on year.」
While total personnel expenses and utilities expenses increased, the personnel expense ratio and labor distribution ratio declined. Efficiency improvements from contract reviews, energy conservation and other expense reductions occurred alongside increases in labor and electricity costs. - FY2023-Q3Cost increases alongside efficiency improvementsAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥646 million from the same period of the previous year due to new hiring for 4 newly opened stores and 1 rebuilt store, regular pay raises and increases in base salaries. The ratio to sales decreased 0.2 percentage points year on year to 14.4%. The labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) decreased 0.6 percentage points year on year to 49.3%. Utilities expenses increased by ¥1,239 million year on year due to substantial price increases.」
Although total personnel expenses increased due to hiring and pay raises associated with new store openings and rebuilding, the personnel expense ratio and labor distribution ratio declined. Alongside the substantial increase in utilities expenses, efficiency improvements and cost pressures occurred concurrently. - FY2023-Q2WorsenedAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥421 million from the same period of the previous year due to new hiring for 2 newly opened stores, regular pay raises and increases in base salaries. The ratio to sales was 14.8%, unchanged from the same period of the previous year. The labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) was 50.5%, also unchanged from the same period of the previous year. Utilities expenses increased by ¥706 million year on year due to substantial price increases.」
Personnel expenses increased ¥421 million due to new store openings, hiring, regular pay raises and increases in base salaries, while utilities expenses also increased ¥706 million due to higher electricity rates and other price increases. Although cost reductions are progressing, pressure from labor and energy costs is intensifying. - FY2023-Q1WorsenedAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥228 million from the same period of the previous year due to new hiring for 2 newly opened stores, regular pay raises and increases in base salaries. The ratio to sales increased 0.2 percentage points year on year to 15.1%. The labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) increased 0.9 percentage points year on year to 51.7%. Utilities expenses increased by ¥246 million year on year due to substantial price increases.」
Personnel expenses increased ¥228 million due to new store openings, hiring, regular pay raises and increases in base salaries, resulting in a personnel expense ratio of 15.1% and a labor distribution ratio of 51.7%. Utilities expenses also increased ¥246 million, quantifying the cost pressure. - FY2022Increases in personnel expenses and utility costsAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥499 million from the same period of the previous year. The ratio to sales was 14.8%, and the labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) was 50.4%. Consumables expenses increased by ¥117 million year on year due to increased use of various materials for measures to prevent COVID-19 infections and higher prices for those materials. We are working to reduce utilities expenses through a review of contract terms and the introduction of energy-saving equipment, but the impact of electricity rate increases associated with higher crude oil prices resulted in an increase of ¥336 million from the same period of the previous year.」
While continuing cost reductions and energy-saving measures, personnel expenses increased ¥499 million, infection-control materials expenses ¥117 million and utilities expenses ¥336 million year on year. - FY2022-Q3Increases in personnel expenses and utility costsAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥727 million from the same period of the previous year. The ratio to sales was 14.6%, and the labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) was 49.9%. We are working to reduce utilities expenses through a review of contract terms, lower unit prices and the introduction of energy-saving equipment, but the impact of higher crude oil prices resulted in an increase of ¥79 million from the same period of the previous year.」
Personnel expenses increased ¥727 million year on year, and utilities expenses also increased ¥79 million due to higher crude oil prices. While cost-reduction measures continued, increases in personnel and energy costs emerged. - FY2022-Q2AdvancedAnnual report
「Our group uses two demand-forecasting models for automated product ordering: a statistical analysis model and an AI model. We expanded application of the AI model introduced in the daily-delivery products division of Harashin Naru'su in the previous consolidated fiscal year to Fressay's daily-delivery products division. Personnel expenses increased by ¥496 million from the same period of the previous year. The ratio to sales was 14.8%, and the labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) was 50.5%.」
Application of the AI-based automated ordering system already introduced in Harashin Naru'su's daily-delivery products division was expanded to Fressay's daily-delivery products division. Personnel expenses increased ¥496 million year on year, with the personnel expense ratio at 14.8% and the labor distribution ratio at 50.5%, indicating that productivity improvement measures and higher personnel expenses occurred concurrently. - FY2022-Q1AdvancedAnnual report
「Our group uses two demand-forecasting models for automated product ordering: a statistical analysis model and an AI model. We began a pilot project to apply the AI model introduced in the daily-delivery products division of Harashin Naru'su in the previous consolidated fiscal year to the daily-delivery products division of Fressay. We will consider expanding its application based on developments going forward.」
A pilot project was launched to apply the AI-based automated ordering system already introduced in the daily-delivery products division of Harashin Naru'su to Fressay's daily-delivery products division, moving to the stage of testing an expanded scope of application. - FY2021AdvancedAnnual report
「Although we are pursuing appropriate staffing and productivity improvements, personnel expenses increased by ¥2,119 million from the same period of the previous year due to an increase in personnel, regular pay raises, increases in base salaries and higher social insurance premium rates, among other factors. The ratio to sales was 14.1%, unchanged from the same period of the previous year, while the labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) decreased 0.5 percentage points year on year to 48.7%. Utilities expenses decreased by ¥476 million year on year due to the ongoing review of contracts and the effects of energy-saving measures implemented in recent years.」
Although total personnel expenses increased, the personnel expense ratio was flat at 14.1%, the labor distribution ratio declined to 48.7%, and utilities expenses also decreased by ¥476 million. The operating margin improved to 4.7%. - FY2021-Q2AdvancedAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥788 million from the same period of the previous year. The ratio to sales decreased 0.5 percentage points year on year to 13.7%. The labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) decreased 2.7 percentage points year on year to 47.3%. Utilities expenses decreased by ¥229 million year on year due to a review of contract terms and lower unit prices.」
Although total personnel expenses increased, the ratio to sales and the labor distribution ratio declined, while utilities expenses also decreased by ¥229 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales were 23.4%, and the operating margin was 5.5%, showing the improvement in cost efficiency in the figures. - FY2021-Q1AdvancedAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥482 million from the same period of the previous year. The ratio to sales decreased 0.8 percentage points year on year to 13.6%. The labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) decreased 3.9 percentage points year on year to 46.7%. Utilities expenses decreased by ¥104 million year on year due to a review of contract terms and lower unit prices.」
Although personnel expenses increased, the personnel expense ratio to sales and the labor distribution ratio declined, while utilities expenses also decreased by ¥104 million. The operating margin on sales increased 2.2 percentage points year on year to 6.2%, indicating improved cost efficiency. - FY2020-Q3WorsenedAnnual report
「From the perspective of the group as a whole, we are reviewing, reducing and appropriately using all costs and advancing cost-reduction initiatives. The total amount increased mainly in line with the expansion of sales. Personnel expenses increased by ¥375 million from the same period of the previous year. The ratio to sales increased 0.1 percentage points year on year to 14.0%. The labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) was 49.1%, unchanged from the same period of the previous year. The main factors behind the increase were the hiring of personnel for new store openings, covering labor shortages and an increase in employees subject to social insurance coverage. Utilities expenses decreased by ¥78 million year on year following a review of contract terms.」
While utilities expenses decreased by ¥78 million, personnel expenses increased ¥375 million year on year, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 1.9%, and the operating margin on sales declined 0.1 percentage points to 4.0%. The effects of cost reductions occurred alongside increases in personnel expenses and store-opening-related costs. - FY2020-Q2Personnel expense increase alongside utility cost reductionsAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥151 million from the same period of the previous year. The ratio to sales increased 0.1 percentage points year on year to 14.2%. The labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) increased 0.4 percentage points year on year to 50.0%.」
While continuing to pursue cost reductions, personnel expenses increased due to labor shortages and an increase in employees subject to social insurance coverage. Utilities expenses decreased by ¥41 million following a review of contract terms, with cost pressures and the effects of cost reductions occurring concurrently. - FY2020-Q1AdvancedAnnual report
「Personnel expenses increased by ¥75 million from the same period of the previous year. The ratio to sales was 14.4%, unchanged from the same period of the previous year. The labor distribution ratio (personnel expenses ÷ gross profit) decreased 0.1 percentage points year on year to 50.6%. Utilities expenses decreased by ¥24 million year on year following a review of contract terms.」
Utilities expenses decreased by ¥24 million following a review of contract terms, and the labor distribution ratio declined 0.1 percentage points year on year to 50.6%. Although personnel expenses increased, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 0.5%, improving the operating margin on sales to 4.0%. - FY2019AdvancedAnnual report
「From the perspective of the Group as a whole, we are reviewing, reducing and optimizing all costs and advancing cost-reduction initiatives.」
The group continued to review and reduce costs, while also optimizing staffing and improving productivity. The personnel expense ratio was 14.1% and the labor distribution ratio was 49.4%, while the operating margin on sales increased 0.1 percentage points year on year to 4.0%. - FY2019-Q3WorsenedAnnual report
「Regarding overhead expenses, from the perspective of the group as a whole, we are reviewing, reducing, and appropriately using all costs and advancing cost-reduction initiatives. The total amount has nevertheless increased due to the increase in the number of stores and sales. Personnel expenses increased by ¥614 million from the same period of the previous year. As a percentage of sales, they increased by 0.1 percentage point to 13.9%. The labor distribution ratio, personnel expenses divided by gross profit, increased by 0.1 percentage point to 49.1%. Utilities expenses increased by ¥40 million from the same period of the previous year due to the impact of higher unit prices.」
While pursuing cost reductions, personnel expenses increased by ¥614 million and utilities expenses by ¥40 million, and both the personnel expense ratio and labor distribution ratio rose. The operating margin on sales declined 0.1 percentage points year on year to 4.1%, indicating continued cost pressure. - FY2019-Q2AdvancedAnnual report
「Regarding overhead expenses, from the perspective of the group as a whole, we are reviewing, reducing, and appropriately using all costs and advancing cost-reduction initiatives. The total amount has nevertheless increased due to the increase in the number of stores and sales. Personnel expenses increased by ¥415 million from the same period of the previous year. As a percentage of sales, they remained unchanged from the same period of the previous year at 14.1%. The labor distribution ratio, personnel expenses divided by gross profit, decreased by 0.5 percentage point to 49.6%.」
While the group as a whole continued to pursue cost reductions, personnel expenses increased by ¥415 million. However, the labor distribution ratio decreased by 0.5 percentage point to 49.6%, and the operating margin increased by 0.1 percentage point year on year to 3.9%. - FY2019-Q1WorsenedAnnual report
「Regarding overhead expenses, from the perspective of the group as a whole, we are reviewing, reducing, and appropriately using all costs and advancing cost-reduction initiatives. The total amount has nevertheless increased due to the increase in the number of stores and sales. Personnel expenses increased by ¥237 million from the same period of the previous year. As a percentage of sales, they increased by 0.2 percentage point to 14.4%.」
While the group as a whole continued to pursue cost reductions, personnel expenses increased by ¥237 million year on year and utilities expenses by ¥42 million, causing the operating margin to decrease by 0.1 percentage point to 3.6%. Cost pressures continue. - FY2018-Q3WorsenedAnnual report
「The expansion of social insurance coverage resulting from legal revisions led to a substantial increase in personnel expenses. Accordingly, statutory welfare expenses for the first 3 quarters of the current fiscal year increased by ¥354 million from the same period of the previous year.」
The increase in statutory welfare expenses resulting from the expansion of social insurance coverage reached ¥354 million, while the operating margin of the supermarket business decreased by 0.2 percentage point year on year to 4.0%. - FY2018-Q2WorsenedAnnual report
「As a result, the operating margin of the supermarket business decreased by 0.5 percentage point from the same period of the previous year to 3.5%. The consolidated operating margin decreased by 0.4 percentage point to 3.8%.」
Due in part to higher statutory welfare expenses accompanying the expansion of social insurance coverage, the operating margin of the supermarket business decreased by 0.5 percentage point year on year to 3.5%. - FY2018-Q1Margin declineAnnual report
「As a result, the operating margin of the supermarket business decreased by 0.4 percentage point from the same period of the previous year to 3.5%. The consolidated operating margin also decreased by 0.4 percentage point to 3.7%.」
While the gross profit margin on product sales improved, the operating margin fell below the same period of the previous year due to higher statutory welfare expenses accompanying the expansion of social insurance coverage and temporary cost increases resulting from differences in renovation timing. - FY2017AdvancedAnnual report
「The initiatives to improve labor productivity through the automatic ordering system introduced in recent years, reduce utility costs through energy-efficient equipment, and maintain the environment are also producing results. As a result, the operating profit margin of the supermarket business increased by 0.1 percentage points from the same period of the previous year to 3.7%. The consolidated operating profit margin also increased by 0.2 percentage points to 4.0%.」
The effects of automated ordering, energy-saving equipment, and environmental preservation initiatives were reported, improving the operating margin to 3.7% for the supermarket business and 4.0% on a consolidated basis. - FY2017-Q3AdvancedAnnual report
「The effects of improved labor productivity from the automated ordering system introduced in recent years, lower utilities expenses from the installation of energy-saving equipment, and environmental preservation initiatives have also become evident. As a result, the operating margin of the supermarket business increased by 0.2 percentage point from the same period of the previous year to 4.2%. The consolidated operating margin also increased by 0.1 percentage point to 4.3%.」
The effects of automated ordering, energy-saving equipment, and other measures continued, lifting the operating margin to 4.2% for the supermarket business and 4.3% on a consolidated basis. - FY2017-Q2AdvancedAnnual report
「The effects of improved labor productivity from the automated ordering system introduced in recent years, lower utilities expenses from the installation of energy-saving equipment, and environmental preservation initiatives have also become evident. As a result, the operating margin of the supermarket business increased by 0.1 percentage point from the same period of the previous year to 4.0%. The consolidated operating margin also increased by 0.1 percentage point to 4.2%.」
The effects of measures such as automated ordering and energy-saving equipment were reflected in operating margins, with the supermarket business at 4.0% and the consolidated total at 4.2%, an improvement of 0.1 percentage point year on year. - FY2017-Q1AdvancedAnnual report
「Since the integration of Harashin-Narus and Fressay, initiatives across the group to review and share overhead expenses and conduct joint procurement have produced increasingly significant benefits each year. As a result, the operating margin of the supermarket business increased by 0.1 percentage point from the same period of the previous year to 3.9%. The consolidated operating margin also increased by 0.1 percentage point to 4.1%.」
The benefits of group-wide expense management and joint procurement were reflected in improved operating margins, which reached 3.9% for the supermarket business and 4.1% on a consolidated basis. - FY2016First statedAnnual report
「By establishing efficient business operations that eliminate waste, known as low-cost operations, we will secure the resources needed to achieve the quality, prices, and services of products supported by customers and differentiate ourselves from competitors.」
Specific measures include optimizing staffing and work processes by time of day and investing in the store operations infrastructure.