#Japan #Tokyo #Tobacco #convenience store #menu

Menu Launches Tobacco Sales in Convenience Stores

Menu Inc., headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has announced the expansion of its product offerings by introducing tobacco sales at convenience stores starting July 7, 2026. This significant development follows a successful pilot launched in May 2026, where the company began selling tobacco products in collaboration with a local shop, "Tabako Shop Kadoya."

With this new initiative, customers will now be able to order tobacco from dedicated "Lawson" convenience stores via the Menu delivery app, giving users more convenience and choice. The pilot program's success has paved the way for this broader rollout, showcasing Menu's commitment to adapting to diverse consumer needs in a competitive food delivery market.

To ensure compliance with strict regulations regarding tobacco sales, which include age and identity verification, Menu has developed a comprehensive multi-step identification system. This system includes pre-verification before registration, identification during the order process, and face-to-face delivery, thereby prioritizing safety and convenience for all users.

Details on the New Tobacco Sales

• - Launch Date: July 7, 2026
• - Designated Stores:

- Lawson Higashi Kanagawa, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Lawson Minami Suna 2-chome, Koto Ward, Tokyo
- Lawson Yotsuya Samoncho, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
- Lawson Kuga-hara 1-chome, Ota Ward, Tokyo

• - Service Area: Within a 6km radius of each store
• - Eligible Users: Menu app users aged 20 and above with completed identity verification
• - Available Products: Packaged and heated tobacco products
• - Delivery Method: Items will be handed directly to users at their registered address, which must match their official identification.

Please note, discounts and loyalty points are not applicable to tobacco purchases, ensuring that all transactions adhere strictly to regulatory requirements. Payments can only be made through credit cards (excluding Mastercard), and users must collect their orders in person, as delivery to unattended places is prohibited.

Why This Matters

The introduction of tobacco sales via delivery apps represents a significant shift in consumer habits and retail strategies. Menu aims to transform the traditional experience of purchasing tobacco into a more accessible format by integrating technology with convenience. Other features include an intuitive user interface that allows for seamless integration with various product categories and services.

In cooperation with multiple retail formats, Menu hopes to implement features that allow customers to purchase related products simultaneously, creating a unique and innovative shopping experience. This marks a key step for Menu in its objective to become an essential "lifestyle infrastructure" supporting everyday life for its customers.

The company emphasizes the importance of promoting responsible tobacco use and safety. It provides detailed information on health risks associated with smoking, highlighting the obligations of both the company and consumers to prevent non-smokers from harmful exposure.

About Menu Inc.

Menu is a Japanese delivery app devoted to providing consumers with a convenient way to access necessities, establishing itself as a pioneer in the local delivery space. In 2023, the company marked an important milestone by forming a joint venture with KDDI and Reazon Holdings, enabling further growth and service enhancement for its customers.

To encourage users, Menu offers free delivery for Ponta Pass members and features unique functionalities like product reviews and gaming options within the app. With operations spanning 33 prefectures and counting, Menu continues to innovate, ensuring that every interaction brings a joyful moment to users’ daily lives.

For more information or to download the app, visit Menu App Download. The app is free to download and is available for both iOS and Android platforms.