Fast Retailing mulling delivery tie-up with Lawson

Fast Retailing Co., operator of the Uniqlo casual clothing chain, is in talks with convenience store operator Lawson Inc. for a tie-up in delivery services, aiming to expand its sales network, company officials said Friday.

Asia’s biggest clothing retailer would start a new service that allows customers to receive Uniqlo products at Lawson stores after they place an order online, the officials said. The firm is also considering selling underwear and other items at the convenience stores in its first such move, the added.

Lawson is expected to benefit from the possible deal as it would help increase walk-in traffic. 

In an attempt to capitalize on diversification of consumer needs, Fast Retailing has been trying to launch new delivery services recently, with its online sales sluggish at ¥25.5 billion ($213.4 million) for the business year that ended in August.

Fast Retailing has agreed to tie up with Daiwa House Industry Co. to provide same-day domestic delivery of its products purchased online, utilizing the home builder’s distribution business.

Lawson has agreed with logistics company SG Holdings Co. to form an alliance to offer a delivery service out of convenience stores, with an eye on better coping with the needs of the growing number of working women and the elderly.

Lawson President Genichi Tamatsuka served as president of Fast Retailing between 2002 and 2005.