Uniqlo is Down in April

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.