Last Updated: 2010.05.17
to Japanese page
To be a True Global Retailer
Support from customers worldwide
Continuing the trend from last year, we again saw a dramatic increase in revenue and profit in the first half of the year ending August 2010 (the period between September 2009 and February 2010). The main reason for this success is the expansion of the UNIQLO business, especially the solid sales of our global flagship stores in New York, London and Paris. We were able to report a profit in all of the countries in which we operate for the first half of the 2010 fiscal year.
We view this as evidence of the enthusiastic support that UNIQLO is receiving from customers worldwide. We now have the ability to compete as equals with other leading global retailers, such as H&M, ZARA and GAP. I am now starting to feel that we will even be able to surpass them.
Seizing the opportunity to go global
The globalization of UNIQLO is really gaining momentum, and we intend to make the most of this opportunity. We will not settle for just one store in Paris and one in New York. We need to open five stores, ten stores or even more to really strengthen our brand presence. Next year, we are planning to launch a global flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York, which is home to some of the stiffest compeition in the world.
In the Asian market, which is witnessing such startling economic growth, we will accelerate the pace at which we are opening new stores, placing a strong emphasis on China (including Hong Kong) and Korea with the goal of becoming the overwhelming leader. In addition, we expect that the opening of our Shanghai global flagship store in May 2010 will spark explosive growth in the Chinese marketplace.
Every employee working toward globalization
UNIQLO’s international sales have reached the point where they account for more than 10% of UNIQLO’s total business. Now we must continue to accelerate this growth so we can achieve our goal of international sales making up half of the total UNIQLO business within five years.
In conjunction with our globalization and shift to the international marketplace, all employees need to be prepared for and possess a mindset conducive to FAST RETAILING’s “Great Mobilization.” We are working to establish a global system that will produce 1,000 internationally competent store managers every year, taking them through every step from hiring to training.
I want the FAST RETAILING Group to be an enterprise that maintains the strictest standards of quality, produces truly good clothes and enables people all around the world to feel the joy, happiness and satisfaction that comes from wearing such great clothing.
Tadashi Yanai, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer
FAST RETAILING CO.,LTD.
May 2010
