Mulberry, the British fashion retailer known for luxury leather goods, will enter Japan for the first time.
Since 1995, through its partnership with Club 21, an Asian high end retail company founded by Singaporean entrepreneur Christina Ong, Mulberry has been selling goods to Singapore, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines.
Now, it has extended the relationship to 2021 with Club 21 partnering in the Japan move.
Mulberry will start in Japan by establishing stores within stores, debuting in department store chain Isetan. The company is also planning to open flagship stores in Osaka and Tokyo in due course, selling its predominantly leather goods which retail from about US$770 to $1400.
Mulberry will also open new flagship stores in Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing and Shanghai.
Club 21 has recently extended its distribution partnership with Mulberry to include Vietnam and Australia.
“The Asia Pacific region represents a significant growth opportunity for the Mulberry brand and these two agreements lay the foundations for an accelerated penetration of the region, especially China and Japan,” said Godfrey Davis, Mulberry chairman and CEO.
“The board expects the Club 21 contribution to group sales to increase significantly over the coming years due to new store openings and increasing penetration of the Mulberry brand into these markets.”
Mulberry expansions are brought by increasing popularity of Western luxury goods in the Far East. Its rival fashion brand Burberry has already boosted its market presence.
At present, Mulberry has 12 stores opened in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Sydney. As of 31 March this year, Mulberry has generated a wholesale revenue of 5 million pounds in Asia.
