LAWSON vs Westwing

Notice Regarding Unauthorized Use of Our Email Server and the Transmission of Suspicious Emails

Lawson announced on 2026.10.01 that there was unauthorized use of its email server leading to the transmission of suspicious emails.

Japanese Convenience Stores Use AI to Create Novel Snacks

Japanese convenience store chains Lawson and FamilyMart are using AI in contrasting ways to develop new snack products. Lawson employs generative AI without sales data, using only the abstract prompt 'What on earth is this? But it's delicious' to generate unconventional ideas like a lemon-pickle tart. This led to three products launching in September 2026 in the Tokyo area. FamilyMart, on the other hand, feeds its AI with extensive point-of-sale data, analyzing past sales and product attributes to predict successful combinations, resulting in a sweet potato canelé. This data-driven approach reduces concept development time by about 20%. Both companies retain human oversight for final product decisions, highlighting AI's role as an idea generator rather than autonomous creator. This pragmatic integration in Japan contrasts with Western regulatory debates, showcasing AI's practical application in retail product development.

• Lawson launched three AI-generated snacks in September 2026 in the Tokyo area, including a lemon-pickle tart, a red bean paste bun, and a parfait salad.
• Lawson's AI was given the prompt 'What on earth is this? But it's delicious' without any sales or historical data.
• FamilyMart used point-of-sale data to develop a sweet potato canelé, which is now available nationwide.

Westwing opens two-floor flagship store in Munich

Westwing, a German home and living e-commerce company, has opened a new flagship store in Munich, Germany, located at Residenzstraße 24. The two-story store spans more than 400 square meters and replaces a previous temporary location near Odeonsplatz. This flagship is the first to implement Westwing's new 'Store Concept 3.0', which emphasizes modular product presentations and clearly defined product categories. The store integrates physical and digital shopping by allowing customers to purchase items in-store and also access the full product range via iPad stations. It also features an expanded design consulting service. Westwing plans to use this Munich location as a testbed to refine the concept and potentially expand further.

• Westwing opened a new flagship store in Munich, Germany, on September 16, 2026.
• The store is located at Residenzstraße 24 and covers over 400 square meters across two floors.
• It replaces a previous temporary store near Odeonsplatz.

Westwing GMV Up 15% in Q2 2026

Westwing reported double-digit growth in the second quarter of 2026: Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) rose 15% to €127 million and revenue increased 14% to €113 million. Adjusted EBITDA reached €5.4 million but profit margins were pressured by higher transport costs and one-off effects from migrating order and warehouse systems. Free cash flow was negative €9.4 million, primarily due to payouts related to stock option programs, while net liquidity remained at €68 million. Westwing said active customers grew double-digit, it now operates in 26 countries, and it confirmed full-year revenue guidance of €470–495 million with management targeting the upper end of the range.

• Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) rose 15% year-on-year in Q2 2026 to €127 million.
• Revenue increased 14% year-on-year in Q2 2026 to €113 million.
• Adjusted EBITDA was €5.4 million in Q2 2026, up on the prior year but impacted by macro factors and one-off system migration costs.