Jane Chen / Shanghai Daily news

Japan-based FamilyMart, the world's No.2 convenience store chain, opened its first Shanghai store yesterday, making an ambitious entry into China's mainland retailing market, the Wenhui Daily reported.
Next year the chain plans to open 45 stores across China, and in 2006 it expects to increase that number to 350, investors of the local store were quoted as saying in the Wenhui Daily report.
The chain's goal is to have 1,000 stores in China by 2010.
Unlike most local chain stores that attract customers with low pricing strategies, FamilyMart will attract business with good service, according to its operator.
With an efficient logistics system, the store will offer round-the-clock service and bring its food products to its outlets at the fastest speed.
Analysts remain cautious about FamilyMart's entry into the market, noting the already cut-throat competition in Shanghai's chain store market where currently 4,000 chain supermarkets, hypermarkets and convenience stores are in operation.