Yokado, an established Japanese retailer, is pivoting towards becoming a food supermarket. The move to diversify its business model is aimed at addressing consumer's evolving shopping habits and demand for convenient grocery shopping options. While the timeline of transition hasn't been specified, the company's strategic shift marks its philosophy of adaptability in a crowded marketplace.

In Japanese society, diverse offerings and convenience are significantly valued in retail shopping experiences. As the employment rate continues to increase, Japanese consumers are searching for easy-to-navigate, 'one-stop-shop' supermarket options that can effectively cater to their busy lifestyles. Therefore, Yokado’s shift is likely seen as a timely response to the current market trends.

This is akin to the western trend where established retailers such as Walmart and Target in the U.S. expand their grocery sections and focus on providing fresh produce and groceries to their customers to stay competitive. The move by Yokado is just another example of how retail companies worldwide have to constantly adapt and evolve to better meet the needs of their consumers.