Lawson to handle Japan Post parcels at all outlets

Major convenience store operator Lawson Inc. will start handling Japan Post parcels at its 7,800 outlets nationwide in November, Lawson officials said.

Lawson exclusively handles packages for Yamato Transport Co. but told the courier it will end their partnership. The company has not replied yet, the officials said.

Lawson already has business ties with Japan Post. It has set up mailboxes in its outlets and opened stores inside post offices.

Lawson decided to switch partners in the parcel business because it believes a tie-up with the public corporation, which is to be privatised in stages starting in 2007, would have many advantages, the officials said.