Japanese convenience store operator Lawson says it will roll out Muji-branded food and grocery products through its 14,000-strong Japanese store network.

Lawson says it plans to replace about 3500 of its own-label products with Muji items, representing about 5 per cent of its current SKU level.

The company said trials of replacing selected products with Muji lines resulted in sales growth of about 20 per cent and overall sales in trial stores rose by as much as 5 per cent after the re-ranging.

According to Nikkei Asia, Lawson decided on the move as a response to customers becoming more concerned about inflation.

Muji merchandise is known for its simple design and high quality. Both brands have worked together since 2020 and as well as taking on more Muji products, Lawson plans to work with its fellow Japanese company to jointly develop custom products for Lawson stores.

From next month, Lawson will add Muji goods in Eastern Japan, aiming to cover its 5000 stores there within six months. The rollout will follow progressively through until the end of next year when all stores will carry about 170 ‘daily’ items from Muji, including food, confectionery, stationery, cosmetics and socks.