Final answer:
The selection of store sites in Japan is important because of the high rent, which can greatly affect business profitability. This requires strategic location choices to maximize sales and manage costs. It is connected to the concept of McDonaldization, which has increased the worldwide availability of standardized goods and services.
Step-by-step explanation:
The selection of store sites in Japan is important because the rent is high. The cost of leasing space is a significant factor in the overall expenses of running a store, and in Japan's densely populated urban areas, rental rates can be exceptionally high. Accurate site selection is crucial to ensure that the rental costs are justified by the potential sales volume and customer foot traffic. It's not just about having more stores or expanding the menu; it's about strategic placement that leverages high visibility and accessibility to maximize profitability, considering the major outlay that high rents represent.
Related to this concept is the phenomenon of McDonaldization, which involves the principles of efficiency, predictability, calculability, and control in business operations. The advantages of McDonaldization include more worldwide availability of goods due to streamlined processes and standardized services. This results in improved profits and an increased availability of various goods and services to more people worldwide, even though it may also reduce the variety of goods in the marketplace.