Business Report, December 2011 (released on Jan. 11, 2012) Total sales at all stores in December 2011 amounted to 164,504 million yen, an increase of 107.4% year on year. Consolidated net sales of existing stores increased by 103.5% yoy. Average daily sales per store (all stores) amounted to 544 thousand yen. The average number of customers per store (existing stores) was 873, an increase of 100.2% yoy, and average spending per customer (existing stores) increased by 103.3% yoy, to 599 yen.

Sales of cigarettes at existing stores rose 112% yoy. Sales of the other products remained flat year on year and gross profit margin significantly increased year on year. LAWSON developed new products using customer purchasing data and introduced fresh foods to stores in an attempt to expand the customer base by attracting more housewives and elderly customers. As a result, fundamentals remained robust. Sales in the rice and noodles category, fast food category and daily necessities category sustained the sharp growth trajectory of the previous month, exceeding 100% yoy. In particular, sales in the over-the-counter fast food category significantly increased from the previous year, thanks to strong sales in Oden (Japanese hot pot), Chinese buns and other hot foods, and also the big hit of Tokushima citrus flavor Karaagekun.

Sales of private brand "Lawson select," which included prepared foods and daily necessities, continued to be robust after the redesign in the end of October.

In the fresh food category, enhanced fresh food-type LAWSON stores (Hybrid Type) contributed to a substantial 160% yoy increase in sales.

As of November 30, 2011, the Lawson Group was comprised of 10,427 stores in Japan, including 97 NATURAL LAWSON stores and 1,174 LAWSON STORE100 stores.

Existing store sales of Ninety-nine Plus Inc. amounted to 97.2% of the previous year (number of customers: 96.4%; sales per customer: 100.8%). In December, Ninety-nine Plus Inc. opened 18 stores and closed 3 stores, bringing the total number of stores to 1,174.

LAWSON is slated for "the Miffy Dish Fair" from December 6, 2011 to February 13, 2012.

LAWSON announced its earnings summary for the third quarter of fiscal year 2011 on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. For those interested, please see our earnings announcement and related supplementary information which posted on this web site.