Convenience store operator Lawson has unveiled plans to step up its expansion in China. At present the retailer has 335 shops in the country and the intention is to have 10,000 by 2020. Lawson may consider an acquisition to rapidly increase its store network.

Like other Japanese convenience store players, Lawson has been eyeing overseas expansion opportunities in recent years as growth has slowed down in the oversaturated and ageing domestic Japanese market. It also plans to expand into Burma, southeast Asia, by the end of the year to gain a foothold in the market.