Lawson (store)

Lawson is a convenience store chain operating primarily in Japan, with additional locations in other parts of Asia, including China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. It is one of the three major convenience store franchises in Japan, alongside 7-Eleven and FamilyMart.

Founded in Ohio, USA, in 1939 by J.J. Lawson as a milk store, the company was acquired by Consolidated Foods (now Sara Lee Corporation) in 1959. The Japanese company Daiei acquired the rights to the Lawson chain in Japan in 1975, opening the first store in Osaka. Mitsubishi Corporation later became a major shareholder.

Lawson stores offer a variety of products and services, including ready-to-eat meals, snacks, beverages, magazines, daily necessities, and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. They also provide services such as bill payment, ATM access, and ticket purchase.

The Lawson brand includes several variations, such as Natural Lawson, which focuses on health and organic products, and Lawson Store 100, which offers lower-priced goods. The company is known for its collaborations with popular anime, manga, and video game franchises, offering exclusive merchandise and promotional campaigns. Lawson has a strong presence in Japanese culture and is often depicted in anime and manga.