Total sales for February 2007 were 104,758 million yen, up 2.4% year on year. Existing store sales edged down 0.2% and average daily sales per store were 450,000 yen. The average amount spent per customer was 583 yen, up 0.6%, and the average number of customers per store per day was 769, down 0.8%.

From February 6 through 19, we ran the LAWSON Happy Fair. As part of this fair, instant lotteries were held whereby vouchers for popular merchandise could be won on-the-spot and crab-based merchandise was promoted. Despite healthy sales during the campaign, total sales at existing stores failed to exceed those for the same month last year.

By area, strong bakery sales lifted existing store sales in the Kyushu region above those of February 2006, but conditions in Tohoku and Shikoku were difficult.

Due to more warm days than last year, sales of oden (a Japanese hotpot dish) and Chinese steamed buns were down, but sales of ice cream and soft drinks were strong. Sales of hay fever-related merchandise have also started earlier than last year.

In the rice dishes category, sales of rice balls and sushi were strong, but overall sales fell short of last February.

In March, we will promote products made using 'sticky' ingredients (such as natto and okra) and honey under the 'Energetic Body Declaration' banner.

LAWSON plans to announce its business results for the year ended February 28, 2007 on April 11, 2007. The earnings release and supplementary materials will be available on this website soon thereafter.

As of February 28, 2007, in addition to our nationwide network of regular LAWSON stores, we had 100 NATURAL LAWSON stores and 80 LAWSON STORE100 stores.