This article was inspired by content originally published on Daily Mail
Introduction
Domino’s, a titan in the pizza world, is once again shaking things up this time through a bold global contraction. According to reports, the pizza chain plans to close over 200 underperforming stores worldwide, including a startling 172 units in Japan, plus another 23 in Europe and 4 in Australia/New Zealand . For an industry giant, that’s a powerful signal: even delivery powerhouses must adapt or risk being left behind at the counter.
What It Means for Pizza Shop Owners
- Lean is mean: Domino’s is shedding tired stores to refocus on profitable hotspots. For independent operators, this highlights the advantage of smaller footprints and smarter location choices.
- Data-driven decisions: By analyzing performance metrics and local trends, they’ve targeted closures systematically a reminder that your POS data and customer analytics are gold for operational decisions.
- Cost control matters: Domino’s aims to cut approximately US $10–12 million in annualised EBIT through this move . That money can be reinvested into store refreshes, marketing, or staff trainingareas where smaller operators can compete fiercely.
Pro Tips for Shop Owners & Suppliers
- Regularly audit store performance look beyond location, and assess delivery radius, labor efficiency, and marketing ROI.
- Invest in smart equipment (think energy-efficient ovens and high-speed mixers). Independent pizzaiolos may benefit from a commercial countertop mixer, which could streamline dough prep and maintain consistency.
- Refine your delivery model Domino’s continues to experiment with drones, bots, and in-car ovens. While high-tech solutions may be out of reach, you can still explore advanced POS platforms (like [Square POS affiliate link]) to offer real-time tracking and targeted promos.
- Emphasize local connection: Domino’s retreat in regions like Japan and Europe shows that international chains can struggle against local tastes. Embrace your community by spotlighting hyper-local ingredients or unique pies.
Lessons for Enthusiasts & Home Cooks
- Quality over quantity: The closures remind us that a handful of stellar pizzas beats an expanded but uninspired menu. Aspiring home pizzaiolos should focus on mastering one great crust tools like pizza stones, peel sets or fermentation kits can elevate results dramatically.
- Follow the trends: Domino’s Japan once experimented with local flavors (like durian pizza!), and its decline shows that novelty isn’t enough consistency matters. Stick with a regional call-to-action if truffle oil is trending, invest in a quality truffle oil finishing spray affiliate link, not just gimmicks.
- Experiment at home: With fewer Domino’s stores abroad, now’s the time for enthusiasts to fill the gap perhaps with an at-home pizza oven like the Ooni Karu 12 Outdoor Pizza Oven affiliate link. Great pies make for great stories.
Supplier & Industry Insight
- Bulk buying smarter: As stores close, regional suppliers may lose clients but savvy businesses can pivot. Consider offering ingredient kits based on local flavors (e.g., Japanese mochi dough mix), sold via ecommerce platforms.
- Efficient stock management: When locations scale back, maintaining streamlined inventory becomes essential. Tools like Restaurant365 (affiliate link) or BlueCart help with real-time ingredients tracking, supplier ordering, and reducing waste.
- Franchise shakes can open doors: Store closures may free up kitchen space and local logistics infrastructure. Suppliers can approach multi-unit operators with bundled offers: think combined deals on dough supplies, packaging, and dry goods.
The Bigger Picture: Pizza in a Changing World
Domino’s move reflects industry-wide pressuresfrom rising labor and delivery costs to shifting consumer expectations. This contraction isn’t a retreat it’s a strategic pivot toward leaner, smarter operations. But where Domino’s goes, independents can learn: thrive by being nimble, local, quality-focused, and data-savvy.
Final Slice: Your Action Plan
- For owners: Audit underperforming channels, modernize equipment, and leverage data.
- For suppliers: Build versatile product bundles and digital tools to assist shop owners.
- For enthusiasts: Elevate your craft with smart home toolsand maybe surprise a friend with that Ooni oven at your next pizza party.
Domino’s closures may reshape the global delivery map, but they pave opportunities for community-driven pizzerias and passionate home bakers. The pie is far from evenly distributedand for those ready, there’s still plenty to claim.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article was inspired by content originally published on Daily Mail. This article contains affiliate links, and Pizza Magazine may earn a commission from purchases made through them.