On February 18, 2026, Foodway opened its latest supermarket, the Foodway Itazuke store, in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City. This new location marks the company’s first roadside store in four years and introduces a discount (DS) model combined with 24-hour operations, reflecting an innovative approach to meet diverse consumer needs. The store occupies approximately 500 tsubo (around 1,650 square meters) and emphasizes fresh food, branding itself as the “Fresh Surprise Market.” This bold move demonstrates Foodway’s ongoing commitment to innovation in the competitive Fukuoka retail market.

Grand Opening and Community Excitement

From the morning of the opening day, local residents lined up early, with around 100 people waiting by 8:30 a.m., prompting the store to open 15 minutes ahead of schedule. Special promotional items, such as 100 “meat lucky bags,” sold out within ten minutes, demonstrating strong local interest and anticipation. The enthusiasm of local shoppers reflects the demand for high-quality fresh food and the appeal of Foodway’s innovative supermarket model.

The opening also featured staff demonstrations of cooking tips and food preparation, further enhancing the experience and engaging customers beyond simple shopping. Local news outlets and social media buzz contributed to heightened awareness, making it one of the most anticipated supermarket openings in Fukuoka in recent years.

Store Layout and Design

The Foodway Itazuke store is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient shopping experience. Wide aisles and clearly labeled sections allow easy navigation, even during peak hours. The interior uses bright lighting and fresh food displays to highlight the quality of products, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Special attention was paid to signage and wayfinding for 24-hour operations, ensuring that night-time and early-morning shoppers can navigate the store efficiently. Eco-friendly features, including energy-efficient refrigeration and LED lighting, align with Foodway’s sustainability initiatives, making the store environmentally conscious as well as shopper-friendly.

Extensive Product Range

Foodway Itazuke offers 13,000 to 14,000 items, with a strong focus on high-quality fresh foods. Its meat section, “Gyu-zou,” features a wide variety of cuts sold by weight, including premium beef and pork. The fish and sushi section, “Uo-zou,” offers live crabs, shrimp, whole fish, and a selection of seafood bowls, ensuring freshness and variety.

The prepared food section, “Aji-zou,” includes handmade pizza, colorful side dishes, bento boxes, and freshly baked bread, providing convenient options for busy shoppers. Seasonal promotions are incorporated into the product range, including fresh fruit from local farms and special seafood selections during festival seasons.

Specialized Selection with Foodway Select

Foodway Select highlights local and regional specialties, alcoholic beverages, Asian ingredients such as Korean ramen and Taiwanese tea, spicy foods, and gluten-free options. This curated selection appeals to a broad range of consumers and reflects current trends in food preferences, including health-conscious and international cuisines.

By emphasizing local products, the store supports regional producers while offering customers a unique shopping experience. Foodway Select also includes limited-edition items and imported delicacies, attracting both regular shoppers and curious food enthusiasts.

Fresh Food Philosophy and Quality Assurance

Foodway has emphasized the philosophy of “freshness first” in its operations. Meat, seafood, and produce are sourced daily, with strict quality control measures to ensure customers receive the best products. Staff members undergo specialized training to maintain food safety, proper handling, and customer service standards.

The supermarket also features in-store demonstrations for meat cutting, sushi preparation, and seasonal cooking tips, encouraging customers to try new dishes and engage with fresh ingredients. This hands-on approach enhances customer loyalty and strengthens Foodway’s brand as a destination for fresh, high-quality foods.

Promotional Strategies and Marketing

To celebrate the opening, Foodway implemented several promotional strategies, including discounts, sample tastings, and limited-edition products. Social media campaigns and local advertisements were deployed to drive awareness and foot traffic. The store also offers a loyalty program that rewards frequent shoppers with points redeemable for discounts or special products.

The marketing strategy emphasizes both the 24-hour convenience and the wide range of high-quality items, positioning Foodway Itazuke as more than a supermarket but a community hub for fresh food and daily essentials.

Strategic Location and Accessibility

The store’s location in Itazuke combines residential areas and logistics hubs, allowing it to attract families, commuters, and night-time shoppers. Ample parking and easy access from main roads make it convenient for customers using vehicles. Proximity to nearby offices, schools, and residential neighborhoods ensures a steady flow of customers throughout the day.

The strategic location also enables Foodway to cater to delivery services and online order pickups, expanding the store’s reach and integrating modern retail trends into its operations.

24-Hour Operations and Lifestyle Adaptation

Foodway Itazuke’s 24-hour operation addresses the diverse lifestyles of modern consumers, including late-night workers, early-morning shoppers, and families with varying schedules. Night-time lighting, security measures, and staff availability ensure a safe and convenient shopping environment.

This approach aligns with evolving consumer expectations in urban areas, providing continuous access to fresh food and daily necessities, and differentiating the store from traditional supermarkets with fixed operating hours.

Future Expansion and Complementary Businesses

Looking ahead, a sushi restaurant operated by a Foodway group company, “Sushi Taishin,” is scheduled to open in the same area in March. This complementary business will enhance the shopping experience by offering prepared sushi and dining options, encouraging longer visits and boosting overall customer engagement.

Additionally, Foodway plans to monitor consumer trends at the Itazuke location, adjusting product offerings and services based on customer feedback. This adaptive strategy will guide future expansions and potential new store openings in the region.

Setting a New Standard in Fukuoka Retail

The Foodway Itazuke store demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation in supermarket operations, blending a discount model with premium-quality fresh food and 24-hour service. By offering extensive product selections, curated specialty items, and a convenient shopping experience, the store sets a new benchmark for supermarkets in Fukuoka.

With its community-focused approach, strategic location, and dedication to quality and variety, Foodway Itazuke aims to become a staple destination for local residents while attracting new customers from surrounding areas. The store’s opening is a significant milestone for Foodway and a reflection of its vision for the future of retail.