Total sales rose 3.0% year on year to 113,267 million, while existing store sales edged down 0.9%. Average daily sales per store were 474,000 and the average amount spent per customer rose 1.3% to 592. The average number of customers per store per day was 799, down 2.2% year on year.

In May, existing store sales fell short of the same month last year as heavy rains dampened customer footfall. Temperatures were higher than average, but a spell of bad weather toward the end of the long Golden Week holiday period and an early start to the rainy season in parts of Western Japan affected sales.

Sales were lackluster in city areas, partly due to a longer Golden Week than in the previous year. This was a boon for the Chubu, Shikoku, Chugoku and Kyushu regions, however, as city dwellers flocked to these areas during the extended holiday period.

In bento-boxes, while Maku no Uchi boxed lunches struggled, Lawson continued with measures to drive a recovery in this category, such as the launch of more delicious new products. Sales in the rice ball category surpassed the previous month as the 180-yen Niigata Koshihikari Tonkatsu Onigiri, which was launched on May 24, eclipsed sales targets.

In the prepared noodles category, sales of cold noodles were soft due in part to the effect of temperature fluctuations. In the run-up to summer, Lawson plans to continue bolstering its noodle lineup with new product launches and in other ways.

Fast food category sales, supported by the Karaage Kun sales promotion campaign and the May 18 launch of 150-yen Curry Bread, were on a par with the same month in 2003.

Ice cream and soft drink sales were strong, buoyed by the launch of new products.

DVD sales were also brisk, paced by The Last Samurai. Newly introduced stands to display DVDs more prominently supported sales activities. Since June, customers have been able to place orders for tickets with a limited-edition Road to STEAMBOY DVD and stamps featuring pictures from HARRY POTTER, which are available only at Lawson, through in-store Loppi multimedia terminals.

On May 28, Lawson held its 29th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders. Video streaming of the meeting (Japanese only) is available on this website along with details of the resolutions approved by shareholders.

Lawson is scheduled to announce its first-quarter earnings in July 6.