Morgan Stanley analysts visited the Robin Hood Jimokuji store operated by Pan Pacific International Holdings (TYO:7532) in Ama, Aichi Prefecture, and provided a detailed read on the outlet’s physical layout and merchandising strategy.
The site opened on April 24, 2026, following a conversion from a Piago store format. The sales floor measures just over 2,300 square meters. Management has set a target sales mix of roughly 75% food to 25% non-food, and the store stocks approximately 30,000 stock keeping units in total.
The analysts described the floor plan as oriented toward visibility and straightforward navigation, facilitating short, efficient shopping trips. They reported that the store is drawing customers beyond its presumed trade area while also maintaining patronage from residents within the assumed catchment population of 30,000 people.
In fresh merchandising, the team observed heavy use of pre-packed fresh products across all three fresh categories, an approach aimed at serving convenience and ready-to-eat demand. The deli department received particular emphasis: its floor space has roughly doubled compared with the layout before refurbishment. The deli assortment contains about 350 items in total, of which roughly 100 are exclusive to the Robin Hood banner.
Non-food sections feature character merchandise prominently. Pan Pacific International indicated that securing overall gross margins remains a priority while managing the breadth of the assortment.
At present the store carries about 50 private brand and original equipment manufacturer items, with plans to expand that count to around 100 over the course of 2026. Company messaging around the format stresses four core concepts: affordability, value, speed and convenience.
Nearby competitive outlets cited by the analysts include Gyomu Super, a range of local supermarkets, and food-focused drugstores such as Genky and Kusuri no Aoki.
Sectors impacted: Retail, consumer staples, supermarkets.