Japan's Lawson taps brand collaboration to grow in inland China

Anime-themed goods lure fans, while small stores work big magic

20250123N Lawson Sichuan

Customers are eager for items produced in collaboration with popular anime One Piece at a Lawson in China's Sichuan province. (Photo by Shunsuke Tabeta)  

SHUNSUKE TABETA

CHENGDU, China -- Japanese convenience store group Lawson is expanding operations in inland China, driven by the successful marketing strategies of brand collaborations and small-format stores.

"I'm looking to buy One Piece and giant panda collab products," said a young customer outside a Lawson in Chengdu, referring to the popular Japanese anime series.

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