Last Updated: 2012.01.12
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Company Introduction
| Name: | LINK THEORY JAPAN CO., LTD. |
|---|---|
| Established: | December, 1998 |
| Location: | Midtown Tower 7-1, Akasaka 9-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6231 Japan |
| Line of Business: | Theory, HELMUT LANG, PLST The design, production and sale of women's and men's clothing. |
| Number of Stores*: | 377 stores (As of November 30, 2011) *Including franchise stores |
Brand Introduction
Theory was founded in 1997 on the principle that men and women want to feel comfortable and look great in modern clothes. Theory aims to respond to the needs of contemporary customers with versatile yet demanding lifestyles. The brand quickly became a global phenomenon after Theory founder Andrew Rosen and his longstanding associate, Ricky Sasaki, introduced Theory to Japan. Theory's innovative, high-quality stretch fabrics offer a perfect, comfortable fit. The beautiful, carefully calculated silhouette - although simple and sleek in appearance - appeals to sophisticated, contemporary men and women.
Link Theory Japan became a consolidated subsidiary of Fast Retailing as a result of a takeover in fiscal 2009. Via its base in Japan and the United States, Link Theory Japan's combined sales reached close to 50 billion yen at the end of fiscal 2010.
Link Theory Japan's current brands include Theory, Theory Men, Theory Luxe, Helmut Lang and PLST.
http://www.theory.com/
Growth Strategy
Apparel sales declined in the United States and Japan in 2008, due to the impact of the global economic downturn that was triggered by the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Within this business climate, Link Theory's rapid growth started to slow. Its core Theory brand continued to expand steadily, however, due to its sound reputation for simple, basic designs and top-quality materials. In fiscal 2010, the company managed to steadily increase revenue and improve profits in Japan and the United States.
Theory, as a member of the Fast Retailing Group, plans to coordinate its operations to speed up the development of its business in Europe, where it is a relative newcomer. It also plans to accelerate its entry into China and other new markets. In line with these efforts, Link Theory is also developing the Helmut Lang brand as a follow-up to Theory, which it acquired during the spring/summer season of 2007. In September 2010, it will merge with Cabin, another Fast Retailing Group company. Link Theory will then spend a six-month period converting some Cabin stores into Theory outlets, as well as stores under other brands.
