Living in Harmony with Communities

Why It Matters to Us

The ARCS Group’s food supermarkets have evolved alongside the communities they serve. As Japan faces a declining birthrate and an aging population, food supermarkets are expected to go beyond retailing to serve as hubs of local communities. Through collaboration with municipalities, such as opening stores in small towns, supporting local events, and building disaster response systems, we aim to enhance community sustainability, which in turn supports our own long-term growth.

The Social Impact We Seek

Through the ARCS Group’s commitment to living in harmony with communities, we aim to revitalize the areas where we operate and improve residents’ quality of life. We contribute to solving regional issues by creating jobs through robust local hiring, signing agreements with local governments and organizations, and strengthening ties with food banks and children’s cafeterias. By energizing communities and enhancing daily life, we seek to help build sustainable towns where people can continue to live and thrive.

Specific Initiatives

Previous Initiatives

Store openings in regional cities and small municipalities facing population decline and aging, fulfilling a role as social infrastructure by ensuring access for shopping-disadvantaged people and creating local jobs
Sponsorships and exhibitions at local sports competitions and welfare events, engaging with residents and helping to build stronger community ties and vibrancy
Donations of proceeds from plastic bag sales to the Hokkaido CGC Green and Heart Fund, creating a system where everyday shopping contributes to the community
Cooperation agreements with local governments and social welfare councils, promoting systems of mutual support and co-creation as community-based supermarkets
Business continuity plans (BCP) for major disasters, including rolling water stockpiles at stores and preparations to accommodate evacuees, strengthening systems to support communities

Next Actions

Expansion of compact, low-cost, high-efficiency store models (e.g. Da*Marche and Happiness Mart Harutori stores), enabling sustainable operations even in areas with declining populations
Strengthened cooperation with food banks and children’s cafeterias for effective use of surplus food and contributions to local welfare
Enhanced collaboration with local manufacturers and logistics firms to address environmental issues, prepare for disasters, and promote circular local economies
Leveraging of regular visits by elderly customers and community ties to expand the role as “eyes of the community” in partnership with the government and neighborhood watch groups
Gradual strengthening of community support systems for disasters through training under disaster agreements and BCP reviews
Promotion of store tours and internships in cooperation with local high schools and universities to develop and retain local human resources

CASE1　Connecting Consumers and Society through Welfare Support

As a community-based company, we value creating systems where everyday shopping contributes to the community. We continue to donate proceeds from plastic bag sales to the Hokkaido CGC Green and Heart Fund, with cumulative donations from 2008 to 2024 reaching 963.34 million yen. We also support people in need through in-store fundraising and collaborative events with welfare organizations. We will continue to strengthen our ties with local residents and help build an inclusive society.

Green and Heart Fund presentation ceremony

CASE2　Creating Sales Floors to Promote Local Production for Local Consumption

The ARCS Group’s community-based food supermarket companies develop sales floors tailored to local characteristics. By working with local producers and offering locally sourced, directfrom-farm merchandise, we aim to promote local production for local consumption. These efforts help preserve regional food culture, build stronger trust with customers, and enhance the value of our food supermarkets.

Super ARCS Tokura Store (Dounan Ralse)

CASE3　Nurturing Talent and Contributing to Communities through Student Collaboration

We are strengthening collaboration with high schools and universities to nurture the next generation of community leaders through a variety of initiatives. Such initiatives include Universe and BELJOIS supporting the sale of merchandise using beef raised by high school students and in-store promotional activities. Douhoku Arcs and Doutou Arcs have sold merchandise developed by students and hosted student cooking classes, while Universe and FUKUHARA have supported high school students participating in cooking contests.

Douhoku Arcs: Collaboration merchandise sales with Takushoku University Hokkaido College

CASE4　Developing Diverse Ways to Assist Customers Facing Shopping Challenges

To assist customers who face difficulties with daily shopping due to aging or limited transportation, group companies are advancing various initiatives. Ito Chain operates shopping buses to help local residents travel to stores. RALSE, BELJOIS, and Ito Chain offer home delivery services through online supermarkets, expanding efforts to support community life through stores, delivery, and mobility assistance. In November 2025, BELJOIS and Ito Chain each launched mobile supermarkets, further expanding shopping support.

Ito Chain “Shopping Bus” announcement