Top stories from Japan's retail & consumer markets
This month's edition of JapanConsuming includes articles on: 1) Asics - sets its sights on becoming the leading performance running brand in Japan, Europe and the US by 2026. 2) Major food-drugstores like Kusuri no Aoki and Genky DrugStores continue to pressure local supermarket competition. 3) Itochu’s online platform to help retailers procure overseas products. 4) A new luxury digital emporium for the wealthy. 5) Shopping mall development looks set to fall in 2024 as developers favour refurbishment over new builds. 6) New regulations are forcing Japan’s logistics industry to evolve rapidly with many consumers seemingly willing to accept slower deliveries.
Edition: 177
- 12 January, 2024
Keeping track of Japan's Retail & Consumer markets
Key stories in this month's issue of JapanConsuming include: 1) Low cost apparel sales keep rising - Shimamura is adapting well despite the competition from platforms like Shein and Temu. 2) Zozo claims the global market for virtual clothes is growing rapidly - and prices suggest it’s probably correct. 3) The next big thing? Seven & I targets first SIP store by Feb. 4) Itochu (and Mizujin) have big plans for Eddie Bauer’s relaunch - hopes to create a major new lifestyle chain for 30s and 40s consumers. 5) Aeon’s new online food store, Green Beans, aims to change shopping habits. 6) Solving the 2024 logistics problem - companies are working hard to come up with solutions to reduce the impact of the new rules re. truck driver working hours.
Edition: 172
- 27 October, 2023
Hitachi (6501) & Descente (8114)
Industrials & Consumer Discretionary
Hitachi - shares are up >50% since last highlighted in The Cut but still good value. This transformed group with its core focus now on power grid transformation work and industrial digitalisation is a multi-year growth story.
Descente - an underperforming athleisure company that Itochu took over and is transforming and only Asymmetric has been covering. Via a partnership with Anta Sports, the China store network is being aggressively rolled out ahead of the Winter Olympics and China earnings will rise from virtually zero to become the main contributor.
Edition: 115
- 23 July, 2021