Lawson asks Yamato Transport to continue partnership
Convenience store chain operator Lawson Inc. said Wednesday it has asked Yamato Transport Co. to continue their partnership even after Lawson begins handling parcels for Japan Post in mid-November.
Lawson said it wants to renew a business tie-up contract with Yamato, Japan’s largest door-to-door parcel delivery service company, when the current contract expires Nov. 19.
Yamato last month decided to end its alliance with Lawson when the current contract expires because Lawson agreed to handle Japan Post parcels through its nationwide store chain.
Yamato made the decision on the grounds that as long as Japan Post receives preferential treatment in taxation and other areas, its entry into a parcel delivery service market developed by private companies is unfair.
The existing contract between Lawson and Yamato includes a clause that bans the retailer from providing services similar to those offered by the parcel delivery company.
Lawson said it has asked Yamato to drop the clause for concluding a new tie-up agreement.
However, Yamato said it has no intention to continue its alliance with Lawson unless the convenience store operator changes its stance on cooperation with Japan Post.
