Last Updated: 2010.03.04
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Brand Introduction
| Name: | LINK THEORY HOLDINGS CO., LTD.  http://www.link-theory.com/ |
|---|---|
| Established: | December, 1998 |
| Location: | Midtown Tower 7-1, Akasaka 9-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6231 Japan |
| Line of Business: | The design, manufacture and retail of women’s, men’s and kids clothing for theory and Helmut Lang brands, etc. |
| Number of Stores*: | 322 stores (As of February 28, 2010) * including franchise stores |
Brand Introduction
Theory was founded in 1997 on the principle that modern men and women want to feel comfortable and sexy. Theory is geared to answer the needs of the contemporary customer, one who has a demanding and versatile lifestyle. The brand quickly became a global phenomenon ever since Andrew Rosen, the founder of Theory, and his longstanding associate Ricky Sasaki introduced Theory to Japan.
LINK THEORY HOLDINGS CO., LTD. (LTH), became a consolidated subsidiary of FAST RETAILING as a result of a takeover bid in fiscal 2009. At the end of fiscal 2009, LTH had combined sales of about ¥40 billion through its base of 306 stores in Japan and the United States.
Made from innovative stretch fabrics of the highest quality, Theory offers a perfect and comfortable fit combined with a carefully calculated, beautiful silhouette that, while simple and sleek in appearance, appeals to sophisticated, contemporary women and men.
Growth Strategy
In 2008, apparel sales in the United States and Japan suffered from the effects of the global downturn that followed in the wake of the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Amid this business environment, LTH experienced a slowdown in its heretofore rapid expansion, but its core Theory brand maintained a firm upward trend in sales in 2009 because of its strong reputation for simple and basic designs and top-quality materials.
As a member of the FAST RETAILING Group, Theory is planning to strengthen teamwork among its operations in Tokyo, New York and Paris; accelerate the development of activities in Europe, where it is a relative newcomer; and speed up entry into China and other new markets. In tandem with these activities, LTH is developing the Helmut Lang brand as a follow-up to Theory, which it acquired during the spring and summer season 2007.
