Japan
Japan Retail: renewed optimism for footwear demand?
Japan’s retail landscape is transforming, driven by the strong performance of the online channel. Despite overall inflationary pressure, retail sales as a whole and footwear imports are on an upward trend, boosted by a weaker US dollar against the yen. With footwear prices finally showing signs of recovery, there is cautious optimism for renewed demand in the short term, even as rising interest rates weigh on consumer confidence
Global footwear trade in 2024: China exports slow, US and Germany rebound in imports
China remained the top footwear exporter in 2024, with exports increasing in volume but decreasing in value. Meanwhile, Vietnam and Indonesia consolidated their positions with double-digit export growth. On the import side, the US and Germany reversed their import declines in 2023, which suggests a resurgence in global demand
Asics ends 2024 with a strong foothold
The Japan-based sportswear company has reported an 18.9% increase in full year net sales, driven by strong sales across all categories in all major regions and exchange fluctuation rates
Retail Flash: insights from key footwear markets
Explore the main retail trends in France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, the US and Spain from our Retail Flash reports, highlighting volatility in 2024 and mixed consumer and retailer sentiment. In particular, new tariffs on key trading partners could put pressure on US footwear prices, Germany’s online sector continues to expand and Japan faces rising inflation
Japan Retail: no concrete forecasts as the country adjusts to a new economic paradigm
While the online channel continues to stand out in a retail market that has seen a slight increase in spending since September 2024, the fashion sector has struggled the most, most likely due to the warm weather that has affected seasonal shopping. For footwear in particular, after a year of low prices, there’s reason to wonder if the picture of near-zero interest rates could hurt consumer behaviour, as their confidence wanes. The overall stability of imports, despite currency fluctuations, doesn't allow for a concrete forecast
Solid start to the fiscal year for Uniqlo’s parent company
The Japan-based fashion retailer has posted a solid first quarter for fiscal 2025, as Uniqlo continues to perform well at home and abroad, particularly in North America and Europe
Retail Flash: insights from key footwear markets
Explore the main retail trends in France, Germany, Japan, the UK, the US and Spain from our Retail Flash reports, highlighting a mix of recovery, persistent challenges and cautious optimism in global markets. In particular, while France and Germany continue to struggle, the US and Spain show signs of retail optimism
Japan Retail: the picture is unclear for both consumers and retailers
Contrary to what was suggested in our previous flash, fashion retail sales have fallen sharply since April, by a total of 22.8%, while total retail sales have remained somewhat stable. In this context, the low footwear inflation in Japan, now close to 0%, tends to indicate a lack of demand. Perhaps the growth in consumer spending and tourism will help to turn the situation around, especially given the falling yen in September. However, for now, the future remains unclear for all
Uniqlo parent company reports strong full year
The Japan-based fashion retailer Fast Retailing has reported “considerable full-year revenue and profit gains” for fiscal 2024, driven by Uniqlo’s performance both at home and abroad
Kizik secures distribution in Japan and Canada
The Utah-based slip-on footwear brand has partnered up with Marubeni Consumer Brands and Kanner Corporation to secure distribution in Japan and Canada, respectively
Uniqlo appoints Clare Waight Keller as Creative Director
Japan-based Fast Retailing has announced the appointment of the British designer Clare Waight Keller as its new creative director. She has previously worked at the luxury houses Givenchy and Chloé
Japan Retail: slow but steady future for retail
After unexpectedly slipping into recession at the end of 2023, the Japanese economy appears to be back on track to grow 3.2% in 2024 (FMI forecast). Against this backdrop, fashion retail sales are outperforming the overall retail performance and, interestingly, footwear inflation is now below the 2% target for any economy. However, the picture is not so clear-cut. The weak yen could dampen any growth in imports and the country is still adjusting to a major change in monetary policy. Nevertheless, as predicted in our last Flash, it’s safe to say that a modest recovery has taken place in the sector
Uniqlo fuels growth for Fast Retailing
The Japanese fashion retailer has posted a large increase in revenue and profits in the first nine months of its current fiscal year, driven by strong performances from Uniqlo across almost all regions
Asics raises its profit estimates
The Japan-based sportswear company has raised its full-year operating profit guidance by 64% year-over-year on rising demand for its sneakers in the domestic market and abroad
New SVP to lead Authentic’s strategy in Japan
The US-based management brand group ABG has appointed Jeff Daggett as Senior Vice President – Head of Japan to strengthen Authentic’s presence and drive growth in the Japanese market-
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