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Investing in Japan - Attractive Sectors

Retail

Full textPDF(836KB) April 2009


  • Market Overview
  • Luxury: High-End Specialty Stores
  • Style: Apparel Specialty Stores
  • Convenience: Non-store Retail
  • High Value: Lifestyle
  • Introduction to the Retail Business in Japan

Executive Summary

Japan boasts the world's second largest retail market, with a value exceeding US$1,124 billion (135 trillion yen, 2007). In addition to its size, the enormous influence of Japan's retail industry attracts global attention as being the origin of many Asian trends. For retailers in particular, the Japanese market offers an abundance of diverse opportunities to sell products and services that offer luxury, style, convenience and high value.

Luxury

The Japanese market remains to be a significant source of revenue for high-end retailers. Premium international brands continue to enter the market and expand their store networks within Japan.

Style

Japanese consumers exhibit some of the world's keenest interests in fashion styles and trends. Fashion from other countries that offer distinctive characteristics find broad acceptance in the Japanese market, while contributing a piece of their own identity to the exciting and vibrant apparel market in Japan.

Convenience

Japan's non-store retail market is rapidly expanding, centered on the Internet and mobile phone mail orders. A diverse range of new business models has evolved, offering foreign firms extensive opportunities for entry into non-store retailing as well.

High Value

The highly-developed nature of the Japanese market rewards foreign companies offering high-value products and services that improve the lifestyles, environment, and health of consumers.

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