Fast Retailing on Track for a Fast Turnaround; Future of the Firm Lies Overseas

Uniqlo, the daily wear brand known for its good quality and functional material at affordable prices, is the growth engine of Fast Retailing’s portfolio. Uniqlo’s brand concept of basic life wear embraces consumers within a wide age range, enabling economies of scale to lower costs and strategic partnership with leading textile manufacturers to develop proprietary materials. The brand is making deep inroads into overseas markets, attempting to replicate its success in Japan, where it has obtained a 9% market share of the local apparel market. In contrast, the fast-fashion brand GU has a competitive edge in supply chain efficiency and responsiveness to changing trends.