Mitsubishi Monitor

2025.03.27

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From the Philippines

My Journey as a Convenience Store Manager in the Philippines

From Fast-Food Chains to Convenience Stores

Hi, I’m Michael Angelo Pias Lansangan, born in Manila, Philippines in 1993.
During my time at university, I spent six years working as a staff member at a store of Jollibee, the country’s largest fast-food chain.
After graduating in 2016, I joined Lawson Philippines.
(Lawson is one of Japan's leading convenience store chains and currently operates in six countries, including the Philippines).
At Lawson Philippines, I’ve taken on roles such as Store Officer, Store Manager, and Store Consultant before becoming an Area Manager and eventually an Operation Manager.
Fun fact: my first and middle names, Michael Angelo, were inspired by my mother’s favorite character from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.

This is a photo of our store

Choosing Lawson Over a Police Career

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a police officer to contribute to peace and order in my community in Manila, a city known for its historic sites and vibrant nightlife.
However, I found that the reality of the police force was different from the idea I had in my mind.
My experience at Jollibee and a friend’s recommendation led me to apply for Lawson.
I was impressed by the disciplined, hardworking nature of the Japanese staff and their strong interpersonal relationships, which convinced me that Lawson was the right place for my personal and professional growth.

Daily Operations and Challenges at Lawson

As an Operations Manager, I oversee various key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales, waste management, and customer service at multiple stores.
My role involves daily routines, meetings with team members and other departments, and brainstorming store improvements.
One of the biggest challenges I face is managing franchise stores while maintaining Lawson’s brand image.
By providing concrete examples and support, I help franchisees align with the company’s standards, leading to successful outcomes like doubling sales at some stores.

I occasionally enjoy my time by having meals with my team members or playing basketball.

Unique Offerings at Lawson Philippines

In the Philippines, Lawson’s coffee and hot snacks contribute significantly to sales.
The country has a strong coffee culture, and Lawson’s freshly brewed coffee is popular among office workers.
Additionally, we offer Korean-style oden, a trend influenced by popular Korean shows and movies.
The most popular item, however, is our fried chicken, which is prepared from whole chickens and has become a customer favorite, competing with many specialized stores.

Photo of the counter. You can purchase a variety of meals, including our popular fried chicken.

Future Goals

My aim is to further expand Lawson’s presence in the Philippines, targeting 1,000 to 2,000 stores, including new locations on other islands.
Another goal is to work closely with franchise owners to ensure the growth and success of the Lawson brand in the country.

December 20, 2024: Lawson Philippines celebrates its ninth anniversary and the achievement of opening 200 stores.
Pictured is the 200th store milestone ceremony