Topshop in Japan shock
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UK-based fashion group Topshop has shuttered its stores in Japan.
No explanation has been given for the closure – but it appears Topshop’s parent Arcadia Group is in some form of dispute with its Japanese partners.
In a statement issued overnight in response to media enquiries Topshop confirmed the stores were operated by a franchise partner.
“The Japanese market is an important part of Topshop’s business and there are no plans to pull out of this key international territory,” the company said in a statement to Fashionista.
“We are working hard, and exploring all avenues, to ensure that the brand maintains its presence in Japan.”
Topshop launched in Japan in 2006 and later partnered with Mori Building System, a retail real estate specialist which has also worked with Louis Vuitton subsidiaries. However it is not clear who the partner was at the time the stores closed as the association with Mori is reported to have ended last May.
The Nikkei Asian Review has reported that the Topshop Shinjuku flagship appeared to be fully stocked, but city’s other flagship, in the trendy Harajuku district, had been cleared out.
Phone calls to all five stores went unanswered.
The company last posted on its Facebook page on January 7 and its website still lists store locations.
Questions & Answers
Q.What reason has Topshop given for closing its Japanese stores?
What reason has Topshop given for closing its Japanese stores?
Topshop has not provided an explanation for the closures. It appears the parent company, Arcadia Group, is involved in a dispute with its Japanese partners, who operated the stores as a franchise.
Q.Is Topshop planning to exit the Japanese market entirely?
Is Topshop planning to exit the Japanese market entirely?
No, Topshop has stated there are no plans to pull out of Japan, considering it a key international territory. The company is actively exploring options to maintain its brand presence there.
Q.Who was Topshop's partner in Japan when the stores closed?
Who was Topshop's partner in Japan when the stores closed?
It is not clear who the partner was at the time of the closures. Topshop initially partnered with Mori Building System, but that association is reported to have ended last May.
Q.Were all Topshop stores in Japan found to be in the same condition upon closure?
Were all Topshop stores in Japan found to be in the same condition upon closure?
No, their conditions varied. The Shinjuku flagship store reportedly appeared fully stocked, while the Harajuku flagship had been cleared out of its merchandise when observed.
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