Lawson, a major convenience store chain, has announced plans to enter the Indian market with a goal of opening 100 stores by 2030 and 10,000 stores by 2050.
Lawson, one of Japan's leading convenience store chains, has revealed its intention to expand into India. The company plans to open its first store in Mumbai in 2027 and increase the total to 100 by 2030. With limited new store opportunities in Japan, Lawson is aiming to establish its overseas operations as a key part of its business strategy following its expansion in China.
To facilitate the expansion, Lawson will establish a wholly-owned subsidiary in India by fiscal year 2026, allowing it to launch five directly operated stores in Mumbai the following year. The company also plans to adopt a combination of franchising and licensing agreements with local businesses to support its growth strategy. By 2050, Lawson targets an ambitious goal of having 10,000 stores in India, catering to local eating habits by offering a tailored selection of products. Production and logistics will be managed by local firms to ensure efficiency and relevance in the market.
Currently, Lawson operates approximately 14,700 stores in Japan and around 7,800 stores across five countries, including China and Indonesia. With India's economy continuing to grow, Lawson’s entry follows that of competitors like Seven-Eleven, which began operations in India in 2021, highlighting the potential opportunities in this expanding market.
