Lawson and FamilyMart hit record profits as Seven & i slows
Japan’s convenience store market shows uneven growth as costs and traffic pressure margins.
Japan’s major convenience store operators reported mixed financial results for the fiscal year ended in February, with Lawson and FamilyMart posting record operating profits, while Seven & i Holdings recorded only marginal growth.
Lawson reported a 7.0% year-on-year increase in core operating profit to ¥112.3 billion (about $750 million). FamilyMart also delivered strong performance, with core operating profit rising 17.9% to ¥100.2 billion (around $670 million), according to consolidated financial results, as reported by The Japan Times.
Seven & I Holdings, which operates 7‑Eleven Japan, saw operating profit edge up just 0.5%. The group faced declining customer traffic in both domestic and overseas markets, weighing on overall performance.
At Lawson, sales were supported by a marketing campaign that increased portion sizes for selected food and confectionery items without raising prices, marking the brand’s 50th anniversary in Japan. The company also benefited from strong ticket sales for major film releases, contributing to higher in‑store revenue.
Cost control measures played a role as well. Lawson highlighted efficiency gains from artificial intelligence‑based product ordering systems, helping to reduce waste and support record operating revenue and net profit.
FamilyMart’s net profit declined compared with the previous year, which had included a large one‑off gain from restructuring its China business. Excluding that effect, performance remained solid, supported by discount promotions and strong sales of rice balls promoted through a high‑profile advertising campaign.
