Apparel and footwear in 2024: The big picture
In 2024, apparel and footwear in Japan is expected to see solid retail current value growth, although sales are still anticipated to remain below the pre-pandemic level. In 2024, sales have been heavily influenced by the changing climate.
2024 key trends
In an inflationary environment, price reductions have become increasingly significant for consumers. For instance, Uniqlo’s cashmere sweaters, which are often considered a staple for autumn and winter, are now available in 32 colours.
Competitive landscape
Uniqlo from Fast Retailing Co Ltd is set to continue to lead apparel and footwear in Japan in 2024, as the only player holding a double-digit retail value share. Uniqlo’s presence in apparel in Japan is remarkably strong, particularly in terms of collaborative efforts and innovative digital strategies.
Retailing developments
In the realm of e-commerce, platforms such as 60% and nugu have gained immense popularity amongst younger generations, contributing to a rise in sales of apparel and footwear via retail e-commerce. However, in the Japanese market, having a tangible presence is equally crucial.
What next for apparel and footwear?
Apparel and footwear in Japan is set to see solid but slowing retail current value growth over the course of the forecast period, with all categories except hosiery expected to see sales increase. Asian fast fashion has been experiencing significant growth, particularly amongst younger consumers, and this is set to continue moving forward.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Apparel and Footwear industry in Japan with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Childrenswear
- Apparel and Accessories
- Menswear
- Womenswear
- Jeans
- Hosiery
- Footwear
- Sportswear
If you're in the Apparel and Footwear industry in Japan, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Apparel and Footwear in Japan report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Apparel and Footwear in Japan?
- Which are the leading brands in Japan?
- How are products distributed in Japan?
- How is the rise of e-commerce shaping demand?
- What % of apparel and footwear sales are made via grocery retailers?
- Do consumers want premium quality or fast fashion?
- How will COVID-19 and recession impact demand?
- How important is sustainability in Apparel and Footwear in Japan?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Apparel and Footwear in Japan
Apparel and footwear in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Competitive landscape
Retailing developments
What next for apparel and footwear?
DISCLAIMER
Childrenswear in Japan
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Value growth despite the declining birth rate, due to increased spending per child
Effective collaborations and affordable prices are Shimamura’s strengths
Local governments operate initiatives to collect and donate outgrown children’s clothing
With the accelerating decline in the birth rate, demand from inbound tourists will become more important
Online communities bring consumers together
AI to enhance the shopping experience
Apparel Accessories in Japan
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Increased demand for certain apparel accessories due to prolonged heatwave
Fragmented category, with Shein leading
Rise of try-on services in e-commerce
Hats/caps set to lead growth
Ties set to struggle due to population decline and changes in business culture
UV protection key to future growth, with advances in weather prediction technology
Menswear in Japan
KEY DATA FINDINGS
A comeback for men’s suits
Uniqlo continues to lead, with the expansion of its men’s product range
Is AI a reliable ally for men struggling with fashion?
Importance of demand from inbound tourists for menswear amidst population decline
Physical presence key to gaining awareness in Japan
Retailers of suits are focusing on sustainability
Womenswear in Japan
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Late summer heat and warm winter lead to poor performance of winter apparel – demand forecasting will be a future challenge
Uniqlo leads womenswear with affordability and quality
Uniforms give way to personal choices of work attire
Fashion-savvy female consumers will continue to support growth
Accelerating access to Korean fashion through e-commerce platforms and physical stores
Utilisation of AI in product development emerges
Jeans in Japan
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Resurgence in demand from inbound tourists boosts growth for jeans
Itoschu Corp leads with strong brands such as Edwin, Wrangler, and Lee
Highlighting “Japan” important for brand loyalty and attracting inbound demand
Will the popularity of vintage jeans become a threat?
Sustainable appeal through reassessment of domestic denim materials
The importance of growing loyal denim consumers amidst a declining population
Hosiery in Japan
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Value-added products show growth
Gunze leads a fragmented category
Products from convenience stores emerge and gain popularity
Saturation will limit growth for hosiery
Tabio offers experiences through physical stores
Hosiery as part of self expression
Footwear in Japan
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Robust growth supported by domestic demand and inbound tourism
Nike Japan Co Ltd leads, but the competition intensifies
Increase in brands promoting sustainability and expanding choices
Footwear tailored for older people to gain momentum in an ageing society
Health management with smart shoes
Technology will improve the shopping experience
Sportswear in Japan
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Outdoor apparel leads growth in sports apparel, due to consumers’ continuing interest in outdoor activities
adidas Japan KK leads sportswear thanks to strong brand loyalty
Emerging online platform 60% introduces new brands
Continued growth of sportswear: Opportunities for overseas brands
Sports events become hubs for recycling
AI to enhance the shopping experience
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Apparel and Footwear
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- Baby and Toddler Wear
- Boys' Apparel
- Girls' Apparel
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- Belts
- Gloves
- Hats/Caps
- Scarves
- Ties
- Other Apparel Accessories
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- Men's Nightwear
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- Economy Men's Jeans
- Standard Men's Jeans
- Premium Men's Jeans
- Super Premium Men's Jeans
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- Men's Jackets and Coats
- Men's Jumpers
- Men's Shirts
- Men's Shorts and Trousers
- Men's Suits
- Men's Tops
- Other Men's Outerwear
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- Men's Swimwear
- Men's Underwear
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- Women's Nightwear
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- Economy Women's Jeans
- Standard Women's Jeans
- Premium Women's Jeans
- Super Premium Women's Jeans
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- Women's Dresses
- Women's Jackets and Coats
- Women's Jumpers
- Women's Leggings
- Women's Shirts and Blouses
- Women's Shorts and Trousers
- Women's Skirts
- Women's Suits
- Women's Tops
- Other Women's Outerwear
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- Women's Swimwear
- Women's Underwear
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-
- Nightwear
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- Economy Jeans
- Standard Jeans
- Premium Jeans
- Super Premium Jeans
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- Dresses
- Jackets and Coats
- Jumpers
- Leggings
- Shirts and Blouses
- Shorts and Trousers
- Skirts
- Suits
- Tops
- Other Outerwear
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- Swimwear
- Underwear
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- Sheer Hosiery
- Non-Sheer Hosiery
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- Children's Footwear
- Men's Footwear
- Women's Footwear
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- Performance Apparel
- Outdoor Apparel
- Sports-inspired Apparel
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- Performance Footwear
- Outdoor Footwear
- Sports-inspired Footwear
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Apparel and Footwear
Apparel is the aggregation of clothing and footwear. This dataset covers retail sales of apparel through both store-based retailers and non-store retailers. Excludes black market sales (i.e. untaxed, generated within informal retailing)and duty free sales (travel retail). Items must be new when sold to the consumer; second-hand/used items are excluded. Antique and/or vintage clothing and footwear is also excluded.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
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This report originates from Passport, our Apparel and Footwear research and analysis database.
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