Seven-Eleven's termination of contract with franchisee seen as move to expel outspoken owner (Osaka)
OSAKA – Seven-Eleven Japan Co. has decided to cancel its contract with a franchise store owner in Higashiosaka, Osaka Prefecture, who made headlines earlier this year for halting round-the-clock operations, due to severe labor shortages, without permission from the franchisor.
The operator of 7-Eleven convenience stores in Japan cited a higher number of customer complaints as the reason, but the move is perceived as an effort to eliminate the outspoken owner who not only called for shorter hours but also demanded that the store be allowed to close on New Year’s Day and Sundays.
The store owner, Mitoshi Matsumoto, 58, is still planning to close the store Tuesday and Wednesday and resume operations from Thursday despite the contract cancellation.
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With the public on his side, Matsumoto escalated his demands. In August he called for his store to be closed on Sundays, and then announced in October that his store would be closed on New Year’s Day.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/12/30/national/seven-eleven-franchisee-dispute/#.XgqgkhtS-M8
