Some bowling alleys that closed down were converted into supermarkets, discount stores and private cramming schools, but the number used for home center stores has also increased. Home center stores spread mainly in the suburbs where large sites were available. Home center stores in the United States now have annual sales of JY18 trillion, and annual national sales per capita are around JY100,000. In comparison, annual sales in Japan are JY3.3 trillion, and annual sales per capita are approximately JY30,000. Many stores rent the land and buildings.
Most merchandise is stocked through wholesalers, and little is bought directly from manufacturers.
Goods are normally paid for in cash. Professionally qualified staff are employed to provide customers with advice on subjects such as gardening, tools and paints, and to answer their queries. The MITI-Approved DIY Adviser Qualifying Test is held annually. A large range of products is more convenient and attracts more customers. Department stores and supermarkets have as yet not entered this market as shoppers only visit home center stores at weekends, thus making them inefficient.