Thailand’s convenience store sector is likely to heat up with the entry of a new player.

Japanese convenience store chain Lawson is said to be in talks with Thai company Saha Group for a possible joint venture that would see Lawson opening stores in Thailand.

According to a source close to the development, the deal is likely to be completed in two months.

Lawson will be a direct competitor to rival Japanese convenience store chain 7-Eleven, which has 6600 stores across Thailand. In its home country, Lawson, which operates 10,457 stores in Japan and 300 overseas, lags 7-Eleven, which has more than 13,000 stores in Japan.

The convenience store business attracts many companies due to its format which requires low investment and draws consumers easily compared to other retail formats.

Once the deal is pushed through, Lawson will be in synergy with Saha Group’s existing convenience store chain 108 Shop.

GB