Axial Retailing Inc.
8255・Prime Market・Retail Trade
Supermarket
Core business accounting for approximately 98% of Group sales. Operates 131 stores centered in Niigata and Gunma prefectures.
| Period | Current | Previous | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Segment sales (full year) | ¥294,905 million | ¥281,216 million | ↑ |
| Segment operating profit (full year) | ¥11,952 million | ¥11,795 million | ↑ |
| Number of stores at fiscal year-end | 131 stores | 130 stores | ↑ |
| Total store sales | ¥291,654 million | — | ↑ |
| Total store sales YoY | 105.3% | — | ↑ |
| Existing store sales YoY | 104.7% | — | ↑ |
| Total store customer traffic YoY | 98.9% | — | ↓ |
| Total store average customer spend | ¥2,618 | — | ↑ |
| Total store average customer spend YoY | 106.5% | — | ↑ |
| Total store average price per item | ¥222.91 | — | ↑ |
| Total store number of items purchased YoY | 102.5% | — | ↑ |
Business Details
Operates a food supermarket business under three brands: Harasin, Nals, and Fresei. As of the end of FY2026 (ending March 2026), the Group operated 131 stores (Harasin 68, Nals 13, Fresei 50). The business is centered on retail sales of fresh food and general food items, with food accounting for approximately 90% of sales composition. It is a regional chain rooted in local communities, differentiating itself from competitors through a two-pronged approach of directly addressing low-price competition and developing proprietary products through the "Oishisa Kikakuka Keikaku."
Recent Overview
Both sales and operating profit reached record highs, though declining customer traffic and gross margin pressure remain challenges.
In FY2026 (ending March 2026), the Supermarket segment recorded sales of ¥294,905 million (up 4.9% year-on-year) and operating profit of ¥11,952 million (up 1.3% year-on-year), marking a new record high for the consolidated fiscal year. On the other hand, total store customer traffic declined to 98.9% year-on-year, affected by an unprecedented level of new store openings and renovations by competitors, as well as the discontinuation of the "visit stamp" benefit following the Harasin Nals App renewal. Growth in average customer spend (106.5%) and average price per item (103.9%) drove sales. In February 2026, a new logistics center (Harasin Nals Nagano Area Center) was opened in Nagano Prefecture, strengthening the wide-area store network. The company also achieved direct imports for the first time, aiming for differentiation and improved profit margins.
Key Products
Growth Drivers
- Increase in existing store sales driven by rising average customer spend and price per item (total store average customer spend YoY 106.5%)
- Strong sales of proprietary products, specialty items, and private brand products through the "Oishisa Kikakuka Keikaku"
- Product differentiation and improved profit margins through the start of direct imports
- Logistics optimization and expanded wide-area store openings through the opening of the Nagano Area Center
- Advancement of branding strategy, including the launch of the new sweets brand "Pont de Peinture"
- Reduction of related costs through energy-saving and energy-generation initiatives
- Absorption of increased operating expenses through cost control such as promotion of digitalization and labor hour management
Risks
- Competitors have opened and renovated an unprecedented number of stores, and competition is expected to continue intensifying going forward
- Downward pressure on gross profit margin due to intensifying competition
- Continued increase in labor costs due to proactive wage increases and rising social insurance premiums
- Increased delivery costs due to rising fuel prices and logistics contract fees
- Rising prices of products and materials reflecting worsening crude oil procurement conditions
- Temporary decline in customer traffic at Harasin and Nals due to discontinuation of the visit stamp benefit following the app renewal (effects may continue into FY2027 (ending March 2027))
- Operating profit for FY2027 (ending March 2027) is forecast to decline year-on-year (¥11,700 million, 96.0% of prior year) due to declining gross margin and rising labor costs, among other factors
Last updated: June 23, 2026