Japan's major convenience stores report mixed H1 2026 results

Japan's three largest convenience store chains reported divergent financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2026 (March–August). While Lawson and FamilyMart achieved record-high business profits, industry leader Seven-Eleven Japan saw a decline in operating profit.

Seven-Eleven Japan reported operating revenue of 454.8 billion yen, but operating profit fell 9.3% to 110.2 billion yen, impacted by costs from implementing next-generation store systems. To counter this, the company is focusing on its ‘Live-Meal’ concept for freshly prepared foods and plans to launch ‘Seven the Price,’ a low-cost private brand, to address consumer price sensitivity.

FamilyMart recorded a record business profit of 65.1 billion yen, a 5.6% increase, driven by successful promotional campaigns and strong sales from its ‘Famima Cafe’ coffee machines. However, the company faces challenges with declining customer numbers at existing stores.

Lawson achieved record highs across operating revenue, business profit, and net income for the fourth consecutive second quarter. Lawson’s business profit rose 7.6% to 66 billion yen, supported by an AI-driven ordering system and high daily sales per store. Lawson was also the only major player among the three to see an increase in customer numbers.