Nintendo Buys into Convenience

Following Sony's lead in partnering with 7-11 of Japan, Nintendo has announced plans to buy a three percent stake in Japanese convenience retailer Lawson. As with Sony's partnership, Nintendo's relationship with Lawson will allow consumers to purchase Nintendo's console and software products at Lawson locations or pick up and pay for merchandise ordered online. Nintendo also has plans to explore other areas of e-commerce at Lawson's 7,000 Japanese retail locations. Nintendo will invest $231.8 million to purchase the three percent stake.