Tokyo Fashion Daily

Uniqlo is Down in April

2013-05-07T10:31:00.000+09:00

Fast Retailing reported a decrease in same-store sales for its Uniqlo mega-brand in Japan in the month of April.

After a huge increase of 23.1% in March and a strong increase of 9.6% in February, Uniqlo's same-store sales fell 3% in April.

The driving force behind the decrease in same-store sales according to Fast Retailing is none other than Mother Nature. I have said it before and I will say it again, you would think with the amount of historical sales data and talented planners working for them, Uniqlo would be able to plan a little better and forecast better for the seasons.

Information Fasat Retailing Co.

ABC Mart to Enter the U.S.

2013-05-01T14:50:00.002+09:00

Using the acquisition of U.S.-based LaCrosse Footwear, ABC-Mart will open their first store in the U.S..

ABC-Mart acquired LaCross Footwear last summer with the intention of expanding their retail operations into the U.S..

While the first U.S. location has not yet been revealed ABC-Mart is planning to open the first store in August of this year.

ABC-Mart is optimistic of their entry into the U.S market and is already planning to open up 30 retail stores by 2016.

Information ABC-Mart Inc.

Buy Your High End Cosmetics at 7-11

2013-04-12T16:24:00.000+09:00

7-11, or rather Seven & iHoldings wants to be your destination for everything; from quick conbini-related products to - high end cosmetic and makeup products.

On 27 April, Seven & iHoldings, through Ito-Yokado will open Seibu Kirei, a cosmetics select shop in Sendai, Japan.

The 130 meter square shop called Seibu Kirei will carry high end cosmetics brands like Clinique, Estee Lauder and Lancome as well as other beauty-related products.

The Seibu Kirei store will be staffed by Sogo & Seibu beauty advisors and focus on women in their 30s and 40s offering beauty consulting services including makeovers and more.

Seven & iHoldings is optimistic in their new strategy and is already planning to open three additional Seibu Kieri stores in Japan by 2014.

Information Seven & iHoldings Co., Ltd.

Point to Become Holding Company

2013-04-11T12:43:00.000+09:00

In an effort to expand its presence in Asia and counter its competitors, Point Inc. is going to change from a strictly clothing manufacturer to a holding company this autumn.

The number three Japan-ranked apparel company will gather new brands under the new holding company; with the first set to be Trinity Arts and Natural Nine.

With already 820 clothing stores the change in company structure will allow Point Inc. to have more control over production and sales.

Point Inc. is optimistic about the change in company structure and is forecasting sales of 150 billion yen in the first fiscal year.

Information Point Inc.

It Must be the Shoes!

2013-04-10T16:51:00.004+09:00

Japan-based shoe retail-monopolist ABC Mart is entering the shoe-making business.

Fresh off their acquisition of American-based LaCrosse Footwear and its factory, ABC Mart realizing competition will hurt it's monopoly, and seeing the opening for a new product segment will produce it's own private label shoes.

Starting at 20,000 JPY, ABC Mart plans on producing up to 60,000 pairs of leather shoes and boots per year, and if all goes well will increase production and product selection.

Taking their production in-house not only allows ABC Mart to own their production cycle from start to finish, it also gives them a higher profit margin.

Information ABC-Mart Inc.

Takashimaya Hits Record High for First Time in Five Years

2013-04-08T13:21:00.003+09:00

Takashimaya Department Store beat its previous earnings estimates and will post a 20% increase in consolidated operating profit to end the year at about 25.5 billion - the highest level in over five years.

Along with consolidated operating profit, operating revenue is also expected to increase 1% to about 870 billion yen.

The good news for Takashimaya does not end there as March same-store sales also increased 5% from the same time last year.

Sales at Takashimaya are being driven by import brands, luxury timepieces and Takashimaya private brand apparel and accessories.

If a struggling department store like Takashimaya posts strong profit and sales numbers is this a positive sign for Japan's economy in whole?

Information Takashimaya Co.

ABC Reaches Record Profits

2013-04-05T16:19:00.001+09:00

ABC Mart, leader of Japan`s shoe monopoly will report a 10% increase in its group operating profit from last year to reach its tenth straight year of record profits.

Along with the increase in group operating profits, ABC Mart will also report a 13% increase in group sales to over 159 billion yen.

Sales at ABC Mart were driven by own-brand items, women`s shoes including sandals, pumps and boots.

ABC Mart is so optimistic consumers will continue to buy shoes (from them as they basically control the market) they are already forecasting 2014 to be the 11th consecutive year of record profits.

Information ABC Mart Inc.

Japan`s Department Stores Up In March

2013-04-04T14:44:00.001+09:00

Today`s good weather has brought some good retail fashion news as same-store sales at the big-five department stores in Japan were up 6.6% in the month of March from 2012.

The March increase marks the third consecutive month Japan`s department stores have reported increased same-store sales. (Does anyone know the last time this has happened?)

Driving sales across Japan`s department stores in March was women`s apparel, jewelry, and timepieces which increased a huge 34.9%.

We are still waiting for all the individual department stores to post their March numbers and from what we have seen so far the numbers look positive.

Information Japan Department Stores Association

Dan Tomimatsu`s Balancing Act

2013-04-03T18:45:00.000+09:00

Tokyo Fashion Daily is here at Caffe Il Solito with jewelry designer Dan Tomimatsu for the Dan

Tomimatsu and Yanobi collection with Akihiro Kumagaiya Sourcebook exhibition.

TFD: Dan, tell me about this exhibition?

DT: This is the first exhibition together for me and Yanobi at the Hashibami. We graduated from Tama Art University and never thought we would exhibit together.

TFD: What is the theme?

DT: Yanobi's exhibit is difficult to explain but basically mimics snow patterns. The collection is called snow plates. For my collection there are three collections here. My two past collections; a rubber band collection, a re-crystal collection and my newest collection Libra. For Akihiro's collection he designs blue prints for tables with Yanobi and me making a secondary creation of the table.

TFD: Tell me about Libra?

DT: I am a product designer and thinking about the weight of the product I try to make each piece lighter. When it comes to jewelry, lighter does not always mean better so I think about what the product weight means to the costumer. What is the balance.

TFD: What does the weight mean to the customer?

DT: There is no answer to this question but in my opinion weight does not matter for design.

TFD: So the Libra collections is all about weight?

DT: Yes, all about weight. This time I designed the jewelry to reflect the weight. There are two types of weights for this exhibit; the shape is the same but the weight is different, and the weight is the same but the shape is different. In terms of the earrings the weight is completely balanced even using different material and shapes. This way people can enjoy the weight of the jewelry.

TFD: What inspires your jewelry designs?

DT; The most important is based off first experiences, like when a child is young. Not a special experience but an ordinary experience. Not only me but everybody. In case of my rubber band collection, everyone has worn a rubber band on their wrist at least once or twice. In terms of Libra, most elementary school students has used a balance scale in science class at least once or twice. For my re-crystal collection I am using crystal sugar as a precious stone.

TFD: When you say crystal sugar, can I eat it?

DT: Of course!

TFD: Tell me about the crystal sugar.

DT: Crystal sugar has the same structure as quartz - it is beautiful but its not as expensive as diamonds or even quartz.

TFD: You are using everyday items and experiences to design your collection.

DT: Yes, in my designs I am always thinking what is the worth to the people.

TFD: What is next for you?

DT: I cannot avoid the economy of money when I think about worth at the moment. In the past money was a weight, so my next collection will focus on money and weight.

TFD: Any parting words for my readers?

DT: This Saturday from 5pm we will have a reception party at Hashibami

To attend the reception party at Hashibami go to the K.K. Ebisu Building, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-0013. Tel 03.5422.8593

To check out Dan Tomimatsu`s collections click here.

To check out Yanobi's work click here.

To view Akihiro Kumagaya work click here.

Uniqlo Jumps in March

2013-04-03T11:29:00.001+09:00

Fast Retailing reported same-store sales at Uniqlo jumped 23.1% in the month of March from one year ago.

March was the second consecutive month for same-store sales gains after February saw same-store sales increase 9.6%.

Sales at Uniqo were driven by spring apparel.

Information Fast Retailing Co.

Hanami Driving Sales at Takashimaya

2013-03-26T15:45:00.004+09:00

It seems everyone is enjoying hanami this year especially Takashimaya Department Store as the early blossoming has seen Takashimaya's executives smiling as sales increase.

Takashimaya is forecasting a 10% increase in sales in March to April from the same time last year based on an increase in sales driven mostly by food items, though not just any food but specially prepared takeout meals for the hanami festivals.

Hanami meals have grown over the years with a more diverse offering with prices upward of 5,000 yen.

For those of you who attend hanami without prepacking your food or buying prepared food, don't worry there will be plenty of beer, takoyaki, okonomiyaki and more waiting for you!

Fun Fact: The practice of hanami is many centuries old. The custom is said to have started during the Nara Period (710–794) when it was ume blossoms that people admired in the beginning. But by the Heian Period (794–1185), sakura came to attract more attention and hanami was synonymous with sakura.

Information Takashimaya Co. & Mizue Sawano: The Art of the Cherry Tree

The Business of Fast Fashion

2013-03-21T13:59:00.002+09:00

Recently Tokyo Fashion Daily was contacted by one of our readers and asked to share a video and article with the rest of our readers.

The video at one minute is short but very relevant to the fashion industry today.

Please have a look and comment if you would like as we at TFD feel this subject deserves the attention of everyone in the fashion industry as well as everyone who wears clothes.

You can see the video and read the article here.

The video is brought to you by One Minute MBA on OnlineMBA

Japan`s Department Stores Up In February

2013-03-20T12:19:00.003+09:00

February proved to be a good month for Japan's department stores as same-store sales across Japan increased 0.3% to end at 431.4 billion yen.

The increase in February same-store sales is the second consecutive month of sales increases for Japan's department stores after they also increased in January.

Regionally in Kanto, department stores also experienced their consecutive second month of increased sales when same-store sales in Tokyo department stores increased 2.5% in February to end at 108.2 billion yen.

Driving sales at Japan's department stores were luxury jewelry and art.

Information Japan Department Stores Association

Muji Up On Record Profits

2013-03-18T12:53:00.001+09:00

Achieving a record high for the first time since 2008, Ryohin Keikaku, operator of Muji is reporting an increase of 27% in consolidated operating profit on the year to end at 19.5 billion yen.

Along with the increase in consolidated operating profit Muji also expects operating revenue also known as sales to increase 7% to end at over 191 billion yen on the fiscal year ending in February.

Driving sales online and at Muji retail stores were Muji's own-line of apparel as well as everyday sundries helping them beat their original 19.4 billion yen forecast for the fiscal year.

Adding to the good news for Muji, gross profit margin is also expected to increase about 1% while operating profit is expected to increase 9%.

Information Ryohin Keikaku Co.

Shinjuku Isetan Not Done Reinventing Itself

2013-03-07T16:37:00.002+09:00

Just yesterday Isetan Mitsukoshi held their grand opening for their Shinjuku Istetan store. The renovation took more than one year and cost 9 billion yen.

Not one to rest, Isetan Mitsukoshi today announced it would now add additional renovations for the same Shinjuku Isetan store.

The new renovations will take place on the fifth and sixth floors of the Shinjuku store and will add a fashion information area, additional space to its household goods department and renovate the kid`s department. The renovations will begin soon and are expected to be complete by the spring 2014, all at the cool price of 1 billion yen.

It seems Isetan Mitsukoshi is doing something right as sales at Shinjuku Isetan on the day of the grand opening increased 50% from the same time last year.

Information Isetan Mistukoshi Holdings Ltd.

Valentine`s Giri-Choco Helps Drive February Sales at Japan Department Stores

2013-03-06T14:21:00.001+09:00

Same-store sales results for February for three out of the big four Japan department stores are in and mirror the positive growth in the overall retail market and consumer confidence.

Leading the way was J. Front Retailing, operator of Daimaru and Matsuzakaya Department Stores, which reported a 4.6% increase in same-store sales for February, followed by Isetan Mistukoshi which reported a 0.8% increase in same-store sales. Takashimaya also logged a positive increase in February with a 0.3% increase in same-store sales.

Driving sales in February were increased purchases of luxury goods including apparel as well as Valentine's Day giri-choco, which account for up to 50% of chocolatiers` annual sales targets.

Information Japan Department Stores Association

Uniqlo Up In February

2013-03-05T10:43:00.002+09:00

Fast Retailing reported a 9.6% increase in same-store sales for its mainstay brand Uniqlo for the month of February. Along with same-store sales, same-store visits by customers also increased in February by 15.1% from the same time last year.

February's rise in same-store sales and customers is in sharp contrast to January's sales figures which saw Uniqlo's same-store sales decrease 5.5% while same-store visits by customers decreased 1.3% on the year.

February sales at Uniqlo were driven by winter apparel and outerwear as well as spring apparel including skirts, pants, leggings and yes, meggings.

Information Fast Retailing Co.

Shimamura's Profits Up

2013-03-04T11:54:00.002+09:00

For a record-setting four straight year fast-fashion apparel company Shimamura will log record increases in its operation profits for the 2012 fiscal year.

Shimamura reports its group operating profit will increase about 7% to reach almost 47 billion yen on the 2012 fiscal year, beating its previous forecast of 46.4 billion yen.

Sales also increased 5% to finish the fiscal year at 490 billion yen, with same-store sales increasing 1% overall.

Sales at Shimamura were driven by own-label merchandise and the recent cold winter weather (isn't winter usually cold?).

Information Shimamura Co.

Aoyama Trading Department Store

2013-03-01T11:17:00.002+09:00

In a reversal of their strategy of almost two decades ago, Aoyama Trading Co. will turn their focus away from Japan`s suburbs to Japan`s urban areas.

The first step in their revised strategy is to open their first boutiques in department stores in downtown locations in Japan.

This month will see Aoyama Trading open department store boutiques under its Universal Language brand in J. Front Retailng`s Daimaru department store in Osaka and Sapporo, with Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka following soon.

The Universal Language brand by Aoyama Trading has a customer demographic of women and men in their 30`s and 40`s and will position their prices up to 20% below department stores, including their partner J. Front Retailing.

This will be a much needed change of fortune for Japan`s department stores as sales of men's apparel and accessories at Japan`s department store have decreased by 50% in the past 2 decades.

Information Aoyama Trading Co. & J. Front Retailing Co.

Where are Your Retail Fashion Candidates?

2013-02-27T14:15:00.002+09:00

For any fashion company using social networks your potential candidates are already there.

Fashion brands like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci and Chanel have strong followings throughout social networks.

Fashion companies need only to check who likes them on Facebook and who follows them on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest and more and they will no doubt find many potential qualified candidates, and the best part is they are already interested in their brands.

All you need to do now is learn how to connect with them through fresh and relevant content and how to approach them in a friendly and non-agressive manner.

Don't know how?

Tip: Utilize Discussion Groups and Forums to manage and engage your talent community.

Contact Sector Five Global for your Social Recruiting solutions.

Uniqlo Makes Men Wear Tights!

2013-02-26T10:01:00.002+09:00

To the horror of people across the globe Fast Retailing has done the unthinkable - they launched leggings for men or meggings for the more trendy of you.

Styled after their popular leggings for women, Uniqlo officially launched their new men's leggings that give the illusion of being skinny-pants but are really stretchy-like pants which are basically leggings, for men.

These new meggings are easy-fit and come in 17 different colors from dark to light including plaid. With prices ranging from 1,990 to 2,990 yen Uniqlo's leggings for men are unfortunately sure to be a top selling item.

Did we mention these leggings are for men?

Information Fast Retailing Co.

J. Front Retailing Realizing Parco

2013-02-25T12:48:00.000+09:00

J. Front Retailing subsidiary Parco is spending 20 billion yen to renew its Fukuoka shopping complex.

In line with its strategy of buying Parco last year, J. Front Retailing will take advantage of Parco's strong presence in busy urban locales targeting the young and fashionable by expanding existing Parco shopping complexes and opening new ones throughout Japan and overseas.

The Tenjin shopping complex renewal which will be finished by 2013 will increase the store space by 50% to 24,000 square meters. With more retail sales space Parco will also increase the number of tenants from the existing 150 shops including apparel, restaurants, housewares to over 200.

The Tenji Parco shopping complex has enjoyed strong sales over the past 14 months ending the 2012 fiscal year with 12.8 billion yen in sales.

Information J. Front Retailing Co. & Parco Co.

Aoki's Profit Demographic

2013-02-22T12:52:00.004+09:00

The fashion division of Aoki Holdings has reported a 61% increase in gross profit margin for the 2012 April to December period compared to the same time period the previous year.

While the increase itself is surprising, what is more surprising is where the sales that drove the profits came from. Aoki is traditionally known for selling suits to men, but with sales of men's suits decreasing Aoki has attracted a new customer demographic - women.

With the demand of women' suits increasing so are sales at Aoki and their competitors. Not only are female customers driving sales at Aoki, their average sales per customer is higher than that of their male counterparts as they also are buying accessories including shoes, bags, and scarves - making the female customer a much sought after demographic in the professional suit and accessory category.

Aoki is optimistic its female customers will continue spending and predicts sales of women's wear and accessories will account for up to 12% of overall sales for the 2012 fiscal year, up 2% from the previous fiscal year 2011.

Information Aoki Holdings Inc.

Tokyo's Newest Luxury Complex

2013-02-21T13:26:00.000+09:00

As if there are not enough already the next commercial complex catering to luxury shoppers will open this spring in Tokyo.

On Thursday 4 April, Oak Omotesando will officially open in the location that what was once the Hanae Mori building - do you remember?

This new commercial complex will consist of offices, restaurants and more with the first and second floor dedicated to the luxury shopper. So far confirmed tenants are Coach (they finally got their Omotesando store) Emporio Armani, and a Nespresso Boutique with more soon to come.

Information Omotesando Info

Bath Fizzies from Fairy Company

2013-02-20T09:45:00.000+09:00

From time to time Tokyo Fashion Daily has the opportunity to sit down and interview popular and up & coming designers, models, fashion executives and other fashionable people.

For our next interview TFD sits down with the Little Fairy, the designer of Bath Fizzies from US-based Fairy Company. For those who do not know, bath fizzes are what fizzes when you put them in your bath.

TFD - When did you begin to design?

LF - I love to draw and play. Bath fizzies started as a science playdate last summer. We put them in jars and designed labels for them. Mom said they looked fantastic and I should have a company name. I said "Great idea! What's a company?" I used to call it "Company Fairy", but then I changed it to "Fairy Company." Mom put pictures of the fizzies on Facebook and her friends asked to buy some. That's how it started.

TFD - What inspires you to design?

LF - Mom says inspire means "where do you get your ideas." I get my ideas from whatever I am playing or like hearts for Valentine's day. I get ideas from who I am making them for and what they like. And I like to go to the art museum a lot and see other people's paintings. I LOVE color. My favorite color now is pink but I love rainbow, too.

TFD - Who is your favorite designer?

LF - My favorite artists are Gustav Klimt and Marc Chagall. I studied them in my school. I painted "The Kiss" and mom bought me a book called "Klimt and His Cat" for my 4 and half year old birthday. She also bought me a Chagall book to get ready for our trip to Paris. I want to bring home containers from Paris to make new fizzies. [All the bath fizzies are packaged in repurposed containers to help preserve the environment for the Little Fairy and her little friends.]

TFD - Do you want to continue to design as you grow older? If so, what kind of things would you like to design?

LF - I love to draw and paint and I want to be an artist. Bath fizzies are fun because I can make all kinds of shapes and colors and try something new each time. And it makes people happy and kids laugh when they fizz. My friend used a whole jar at once because he was having so much fun. Then he ran around his house screaming for more fizzies. That's funny. I love to change my clothes a lot. Mom says it is because she changed me so many times when I was a baby. I love fashion, so maybe I want to be a fashion designer when I grow up. I am saving my bath fizzy money to buy a dress, a gum ball and cotton candy in Paris.

Bath Fizzes are currently only available online at Fairy Company and come in lavender, peppermint and vanilla.

Fun Fact: Fairy Company was born out of a science play date. If only all our dates could be this fun!