Creating Convenient Store Environments
Universal Design
AEON has created its own design standards based on the "Heart Building Law" enacted in 1994 (the "New Barrier-Free Law" since 2006) * and uses them when building new stores and renovating existing stores. As of the end of February 2024, more than 760 facilities have been certified under the "New Barrier-Free Law."
We are also incorporating the concept of "universal design" into store construction and strengthening our efforts in terms of functionality and design. Considering that we will have an increasing number of senior customers in addition to our traditional customer base, we aim to spread the concept of universal design to all of our stores.
- The Heart Building Law, which is concerned with promoting construction of specific buildings that are accessible to elderly and physically disabled persons, was revised and renamed to the New Barrier Free Law in December 2006.
New Barrier Free Law (former Heart Building Law) certifications
Over 760 facilities (as of the end of February 2024)
Main Initiatives at Aeon Laketown
Aeon Laketown is built on the concepts of easily finding one's way around, user friendliness, not tiring, safety and security, so that all customers can enjoy a comfortable shopping experience.
Ease of finding one's way around
Large guidance signs in parking garages
Large guidance signs are installed on the walls of parking garages so as not to interfere with shoppers' views while driving, and so that anyone can easily find their way.
Line of sight signs in buildings
Guidance signs and other signs that naturally fall within customers' line of sight are installed in locations all around the facilities. Signs are designed to easily identify your current location with a flashing indicator.
"Reading Signs" for visually impaired persons
Special reading signs are installed in the hallway that leads from the main mall to the restrooms so that visually impaired persons can find their way by placing a finger on the wall.
User friendliness
Restrooms that are easy to use
There are a variety of toilet seats installed in a large space so that each customer can choose the toilet seat that is right for them.
Multipurpose restroom
Restrooms with large open spaces and handrails are available for customers who need assistance.
Remote-controlled parking space for physically disabled customers
A remote control is lent to registered persons with disabilities so they can operate the parking gate.
Not tiring
Milk room for nursing and changing diapers
A milk room is available for customers with small children, where they can be nursed and have their diapers changed. The space is nice and relaxing.
Back rests and handrails inside elevators
Back rests and handrails are installed inside elevators. This idea is intended to help keep shoppers from becoming tired.
Priority benches
Priority benches are for use by persons who require assistance and elderly customers. Enjoy a break while shopping.
Safety and security
Barrier-free entrances
All entrances have slopes with no steps so that wheelchair users can enter the building smoothly.
Escalators with guide handrails
Handrails are installed at the entrance to escalators to help prevent tripping.
Service Care-Fitters
In order to ensure that elderly and physically disabled customers can shop safely and enjoyably, AEON has been working to make its stores barrier-free in terms of both physical and mental aspects, such as its buildings and facilities, and since 2006 has been working to make its stores barrier-free in terms of mental aspects, such as by having employees obtain the "Service Caregiver" qualification *.
The "Service Caregiver" is a qualification certified by the NPO "Japan Care Fit Service Association" to acquire "the spirit of hospitality" and "appropriate caregiving techniques." As of February 2024, the number of people who have obtained the service caregiver qualification at AEON Group is 11,271.
- A qualification certified by the Nippon Care-Fit Service Association, a specified nonprofit corporation (renamed the Nippon Care-Fit Education Institute, a general incorporated association, in April 2014)
Dementia Supporter*
AEON has been participating in the "1 Million Dementia Supporter Caravan" promoted by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and the NPO "Regional Care Policy Network" since 2007 as part of its response to the aging society, becoming the first retailer to do so company-wide, and is holding "Dementia Supporter Training Courses" for AEON People. This is an initiative to properly understand dementia and provide appropriate support to people with dementia and their families, and has trained 86,256 people (as of the end of February 2024), the largest number of people among domestic companies, as well as approximately 900 Caravan Mates.
- This refers to people who have been certified by completing a designated government course to understand dementia, kindly keep an eye on dementia sufferers and their families, and help out wherever possible.