The major convenience store chain Lawson Inc. began handling Japan Post parcels at its 7,850 outlets Thursday, the last day of its exclusive agreement with Yamato Transport Co.
Lawson's contract with Yamato, the nation's largest door-to-door parcel delivery service, will expire after the last Yamato parcels are processed. The convenience store chain had offered to do business simultaneously with both parcel delivery firms, but Yamato rejected the offer.
Yamato sought a court injunction in late September to prevent Japan Post from tying up with Lawson. Yamato said the state-backed entity's expansion through Lawson's nationwide network would be "unfair" as described under the Antimonopoly Law, because it receives preferential tax treatment and other benefits that enable it to offer lower prices.
