Amid continuing inflation, 大黒天物産's LAMU chain, centered on 24-hour stores, and its low-priced products, including ¥198 bento meals and ¥100 takoyaki, have been attracting attention. In addition to ways to find nearby stores, this article reveals the chain's special offers and unique operating model based on interviews.
大黒天物産's megadiscount chain LAMU, which has attracted strong support with its exceptional value for money, is expanding nationwide and is currently extending its reach from western Japan into eastern Japan. To find a nearby LAMU store, customers can use the store information on the official website or search around their current location. Although many stores are open 24 hours, operating hours may differ at locations inside commercial facilities.
The secrets behind the low prices include a highly efficient, vertically integrated supply chain that centrally manages everything from sourcing raw materials through delivery, as well as labor cost reductions achieved by displaying products in cardboard boxes. These measures are said to make products such as ¥198 bento meals and PAKU-PAKU's ¥100 takoyaki possible.
The article introduces ways to keep track of the latest special offers by using flyers and online information, reporting that many daily specials are posted, primarily for PB products under the “D-PRICE” brand. It emphasizes that, under the everyday low-price policy, in-store prices are maintained at levels among the lowest in each region.
Payments are said to be made primarily in cash or with the company's proprietary electronic money, “大黒天Pay” and “大黒天Edy,” while credit cards and other companies' QR payment services are generally not accepted. Plans for future store openings and the outlook for nationwide expansion are also expected to proceed mainly through suburban-format stores tailored to local demand.