The Seven & i Group operates approximately 22,800 stores nationwide and has other diverse touchpoints with customers, including home delivery and outside sales. We believe it is important to leverage the strengths of the Group to provide a livable society together with local communities and neighborhoods through all customer touchpoints, including our stores. Resolving issues such as aging and shrinking populations is an important social role that we are constantly called upon to play, as well as a business opportunity in the form of new customer needs. We continue to make efforts to be close to each and every one of our customers as their most familiar company.

Japan is experiencing an aging society and declining population trends. By the year 2060, the national population will dip below 90 million and nearly 40% will be seniors*. The number of seniors living alone continues to increase each year, with the number expected to rise 1.75 times from the level in 2010 by 2035. The hollowing out of social infrastructures to support daily life following the declining population also stands as one of the major social issues. The number of seniors living alone who have a disadvantage in shopping due to a lack of walkable access to fresh food stores increases year by year.
At the same time, due to the spread of digital devices and the establishment of communication infrastructure, customers' shopping habits and required services are also changing, such as in the methods for placing orders, payment, and picking up orders.

By addressing this material issue, the Seven & i Group is providing social infrastructure such as public services to a variety of people, including seniors, and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 11.