TOKYO -- Japanese convenience store operator Lawson's operating profit likely fell 7% on the year to around 58 billion yen ($502 million) in the March-November period as it sought to cover growing expenses at franchise stores.
Sales likely rose 6% to around 460 billion yen. Lawson added more daily consumables such as condiments, detergent and toothpaste to its shelves, aiming to attract new customers that typically do not shop at convenience stores, such as the elderly. The store count grew to 12,839 at the end of November, increasing by roughly 440 shops from the end of February. Net profit apparently grew 8% to around 34 billion yen, thanks to a decrease in store impairment losses.