It looks like “Seven-Eleven Heart-In JR Ashiya Station Ticket Gate Store” and “Ekimaru Sweets Ashiya Store” will open on Wednesday, March 22, right outside the ticket gates at JR Ashiya Station.
(This information was provided by Kiyotan. Thank you!)

↑ A poster displayed inside JR Ashiya Station
The convenience store “Seven-Eleven Heart-In” will apparently have a pre-opening from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on March 21. It won’t be open 24 hours; its hours appear to be 6:30〜23:30.
“Ekimaru Sweets” seems to be a sweets shop where various Japanese and Western confectionery stores rotate in for limited periods. Maybe some sweets shops you usually can’t buy from in Ashiya will show up?

↑ The planned opening site. Construction sounds were coming from behind the temporary wall.

↑ On this station guide map, it’s the space just below “You are here.” After exiting the ticket gates, turn right and it will be immediately on your left.
Quoted from the JR West press release
It sounds like a waiting area will also be created along with the shops. It’s nice to have a meeting spot right by the ticket gates.
Here is the map for JR Ashiya Station↓
The address is 1-30 Funadocho, Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Kiyotan, thank you for the tip!!
■■■We’re looking for local tips!■■■



