Japanese retailer Lawson has installed 1000 ATMs in a new network to help Chinese tourists access their cash via UnionPay cards.
And from September 24, customers will be able to pay for purchases using UnionPay credit cards at all Lawson stores in Japan – that’s 12,195 stores, trading under the Lawson, Natural Lawson and Lawson Store 100 banners.
From September 28, customers can also withdraw Japanese yen by UnionPay credit or debit card on the newly introduced ATM network which will eventually be expanded to more than 2000.
During the Chinese National Day holidays, a large number of Chinese tourists are expected to visit Japan. During this holiday season, Lawson will launch a coupon campaign for customers who use the UnionPay credit card for settlement. Customers who have purchased over 2000 JPY worth of goods using a UnionPay credit card can get a 200 JPY coupon ticket which can be used for their next purchase.
The campaign runs through the month of October and the coupons can be used until November 7.
At Lawson stores in Japan, the average shopping amount per payment is 600 JPY. Spending on credit cards is more than twice as much, at around 1300 JPY. Furthermore, in some pre-launched stores where payment by UnionPay card is already available, the average shopping amount made by UnionPay card jumps to about 3000 to 4000 JPY.
Foreign visitors going to Lawson stores buy not only rice balls and drinks, but also confectionery and daily goods as souvenirs. This campaign will be able to meet a wide range of needs from foreign visitors to Lawson stores.