TOKYO -- Convenience store operator Lawson's net profit likely grew 4% on the year in the six months ended August, defying a projected 7% decline on the strength of salads and other private-label items.
Lower costs for store closings also appear to have helped. The Tokyo-based retailer is expected to report a group net profit of around 23.5 billion yen ($208 million) instead of the 21 billion yen it forecast as recently as July.
