ASICS reports ‘solid’ sales growth
Sportswear brand ASICS has reported “solid” growth across its EMEA region for 2016 with net sales rising by 3% to €886 million.
ASICS said the increase was largely driven by continued growth in running, its key strategic category, with running footwear sales rising by 2% and apparel by 3%. Sales within the brand’s ASICS Tiger lifestyle category grew by 42%.
Meanwhile, sales in ASIC’s own retail outlets climbed by 15%.
Alistair Cameron, chief executive of ASICS Europe, said: “In 2016 our focus was on a consumer centric approach across the business. We streamlined the distribution of iconic running models to avoid over-distribution and ensure a more diverse product offer with our accounts. Despite this tough strategic decision, impacting the short-term business results, ASICS continued healthy growth across the business.”
During the year, ASICS launched a new global retail concept at a store in Brussels. The new store concept is part of a consumer led approach which will see ASICS roll out two global social initiatives called ASICS FrontRunner and SMSB-crew.
Cameron added: “The global roll out of the ASICS FrontRunner community, alongside integration of FlyteFoam across a number of ranges shows our continued growth in running and why we remain the market leaders in technical footwear.
“Looking ahead to the rest of the year, I’m really excited to see the development of the ‘SMSB-crew’ – a global community of sport and creative enthusiasts promoting ASICS’ founding philosophy of ‘A Sound Mind in A Sound Body’.”
