Lawson unveils portable convenience stores in China
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Japanese convenience-store chain Lawson is launching a series of prefabricated stores in China.
The brand will launch the service from this week, with the first outlet opening in Nanjing. Using the prefab structures will reduce construction costs by 40 percent and allow for flexible growth, the company says. Around 10 stores are expected to be operational by the end of the year.
There are two varieties of Lawson’s prefab buildings, which were created in partnership with Panasonic. The stores have heat insulation to cut power costs and can be relocated to other areas if a location closes. The larger store layout is a little smaller than a regular 80sqm minimart, while the smaller is a kiosk suitable for transit stations.
The stores may prove a viable counter to the rise of online shopping during the coronavirus era, owing to their ability to open in small areas that enjoy considerable foot traffic.
Lawson, which operates 2700 outlets in China, has indicated plans to roll out prefab stores in Japan in the future as well.
Questions & Answers
Q.What are the main benefits Lawson expects from using these prefabricated store structures?
What are the main benefits Lawson expects from using these prefabricated store structures?
Lawson anticipates a 40 percent reduction in construction costs and more flexible growth. The structures also offer heat insulation to cut power costs and can be relocated if a store's initial position is no longer viable.
Q.How many of these new stores does Lawson plan to open in China by the end of the year?
How many of these new stores does Lawson plan to open in China by the end of the year?
Lawson expects to have approximately 10 of these prefabricated stores operational in China by the end of the current year. The first one is opening this week in Nanjing.
Q.What are the key differences between the two varieties of prefabricated stores being launched?
What are the key differences between the two varieties of prefabricated stores being launched?
The larger store variety is slightly smaller than a standard 80 square metre minimart. The smaller version is designed as a kiosk, making it suitable for locations like transit stations.
Q.Where does Lawson intend to launch these prefabricated stores after their introduction in China?
Where does Lawson intend to launch these prefabricated stores after their introduction in China?
After their launch in China, Lawson has indicated that it plans to roll out these prefabricated stores in Japan. This suggests a future expansion beyond the Chinese market.
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