Inflation proves blessing in disguise for retailers

Lawson’s move illustrates the price pressures which are adding to speculation the Bank of Japan may upgrade its inflation forecast next week. — Bloomberg

TOKYO: When Japanese convenience store operator Lawson Inc unveiled a 10% price hike on its popular chicken nuggets last year, investors weren’t convinced it would go down well.

After all, the product had been sold at 200 yen (US$1.45 or RM6.59) pre-tax for 36 years since it first hit the shelves in 1986.