Lawson Inc. and FamilyMart Co. reported brisk first-half earnings Wednesday due to the successful merchandising of original food items.

Last week, industry leader Seven-Eleven Japan Co. reported a record net profit.

Lawson, the nation's second-largest convenience store chain, said its net profit during the six-month period through August rose 11 percent to 11.3 billion yen. Sales from all Lawson stores, including franchisees, increased 4 percent to 675.45 billion yen.