News Flash

Balenciaga selects Restir in Japan

14 Jun '06

2 min read

Balenciaga has chosen Restir as their partner in establishing Balenciaga Japan. With this launch, they will be opening their first flagship store in Tokyo, most likely, within the next 2 to 3 seasons.

They also plan on opening 20 to 25 shop in shops and own stores in the next 5 years.

The usual process for foreign brands entering Japan is either:

Establish a 100 percent self-invested company.

Build partnership with a Japanese importer or a trade company.

Sign an exclusive distribution agreement with a Japanese importer or a trade company.

This new business plan has been quite a surprise to the industry because Restir is neither a large importer nor a trade company.

Restir is a select shop dealing with many designer brands, but is a small scale retailer. Such small scale retailer assisting in launching of foreign brands is quite rare. Still, Restir has its advantages: they understand the brand, concept, and the market and have relevant sales.

Another reason that attributed to this partnership is the other big-importers. They were aggressive in hopes of tying a distribution deal, but backed away once Balenciaga hoped to build Balenciaga Japan.

Whatever the reasons were, the fact remains that Resitir has taken up on a large risk, but with the popularity of the editors' bags, this strategy should be a positive opportunity for the company.

For more information about mentioned companies:
Fashion in Japan: Open_your_Eyes and Imagine_the_FUTURE.

Fashion in Japan

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