Japan's leading convenience store chain says it will be testing out a reduced schedule at more stores than previously planned. This comes as a labor shortage has forced the country's 24/7 businesses to make adjustments.
Seven-Eleven Japan is cutting operating hours at a number of stores to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on a trial basis starting later this month.
The company had previously planned to try out the reduced schedule at just 10 company-owned locations. But officials are adding several franchise stores to the list. They say the expanded trial will give them a better idea of how the shorter hours will affect operations.
Seven-Eleven Japan had made it a rule to keep all its outlets open around the clock. But a group of franchise stores are calling for shorter hours, citing the labor shortage.
◆test out～を試行する、～を試す
◆24/7businesses２４時間営業の店if something happens twenty-four seven, it happens all the time, every day
◆outlet直販店、系列販売店
◆around the clock２４時間体制のall day and all night without stopping
◆cite～として挙げる、～に言及する to prevent something unpleasant from happening
