American fashion label Nanette Lepore is expanding its presence in Asia with a newly opened store in Ginza, its second store in Tokyo.

The bi-level Nanette Lepore store in Ginza is spread across 2217 sqft and is expected to generate around 100 million yen (US$1.23 million) sales in its first year. Its other Tokyo store is located in Aoyama and has just been renovated.

Nanette Lepore, together with Japanese partner TSI Holdings, currently operates 28 stores in Japan. The retailer also plans to open one or two stores in Osaka.

“Now we have a steady and loyal clientele here in Japan just like we have in the states,” said Nanette Lepore, founder of her namesake brand. 

“When I was here 11 years ago, there were these very rigid rules about what a woman could wear here and that you had to target a customer who was between 18 and 24 and then 26 to 36…I notice that there’s a real mix going on now… I’m happy to see that they’re breaking formula,” Lepore said.

Nanette Lepore’s Asian expansion strategy also includes breaking into China’s retail market with five stores planned to be opened by September this year.

Fashion label Nanette Lepore was founded in 1992 in New York City. The brand, known for signature prints, flawless fit and bold colors, includes women’s apparel, swimwear, handbags, footwear, and fragrance.

Nanette Lepore has grown into an international brand with boutiques in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Boston, London, and Tokyo.

GB