More Lawson shops to sell veggies

Lawson Inc. plans to double the number of its convenience stores that market vegetables from the current 1,500 to 3,000 in the next three years, President and Chief Executive Officer Takeshi Niinami said in a recent interview.

The decision is based on more people opting to eat at home instead of dining out amid the recession, he said.

"We must increase the number of stores that meet the demand of the consumers," Niinami said.

He said the firm also hopes to increase the number of Shop 99 outlets run by a subsidiary to exceed 10,000 from the current 9,500 in the next three years.

Lawson markets vegetables in its Lawson Store 100, Lawson Plus and Shop 99 stores.

Niinami said the firm plans to transform some of its regular Lawson convenience stores to Lawson Store 100s so it will be easier for the shops to market vegetables.