Axas Holdings

Basic Information

Stock Code
3536
Industry
Retail
Category Detail
Specialty Stores & Drugstores
Prefecture
Tokushima Prefecture
Establishment Year
March 2016
Listing Year
March 2016
Official Website
https://www.axas-hd.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
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Overview

Axas Holdings is a holding company established in 2016, operating as a regionally focused retail company with multiple business formats such as drugstores, general merchandise stores, and liquor shops, centered in Shikoku and expanding into the Kansai region.

Current Situation

Axas Holdings recorded consolidated sales of approximately ¥11.8 billion and consolidated net profit of approximately ¥200 million in the fiscal year ending August 2021, maintaining a stable business foundation. Its core Health & Beauty Care division operates large drugstores mainly in Tokushima and Kagawa, with a strong focus on cosmetics to establish competitiveness. It also handles liquor shops, general merchandise, sporting goods, and home centers, advancing a diversification strategy tailored to local needs. In recent years, it has aggressively expanded into the Kansai region while undertaking store closures and reorganizations to improve operational efficiency. Leveraging its holding company structure, it is deepening integration and collaboration across businesses to enhance profitability and service quality. Moving forward, it will focus on elevating brand value as a regionally rooted company in Shikoku and Kansai, optimizing its store network, and enriching product lineups, with expectations for medium- to long-term revenue growth and contributions to the local economy.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Axas Holdings is a regionally rooted company headquartered in Tokushima Prefecture.
  • Drugstore Charlie centers on large stores strong in cosmetics.
  • Handles multiple retail formats to broadly meet regional needs.
  • Recently evolving area strategy through expansion into Kansai region.
  • Home center operations span 3 stores in Tokushima Prefecture.
  • Subsidiary Axas Co., Ltd. also handles liquor imports and wholesaling.
  • Holding company established in 2016 reflecting management integration with Bulldog general store.
  • Local financial institutions are among major shareholders.
  • Thin capital ties with regional other industries like UT Group.
  • Forms stable business foundation through diversified product expansion despite regional focus.

Hidden Connections

  • TK Management is a major shareholder with strong involvement in management.
  • Shikoku regional banks support local economy as shareholders.
  • Former subsidiary Nakai forms the foundation of home center business.
  • Holding company established via stock transfer with Bulldog general store.
  • Decol Home Keeper is a regionally limited home center brand.
  • Sports goods sales department recognized under 'Alex Sports' brand.
  • Drugstore Charlie is a long-trusted store name in the region.
  • Imported liquor wholesaling comprehensively supplies regional restaurants and retailers.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Further store expansion in Shikoku and Kansai areas
  • Increasing demand in cosmetics and beauty-related markets
  • Strengthening online sales and digital marketing
  • Rising drugstore demand from regional health consciousness
  • Synergy creation through multi-format collaboration

Strategic Goals

  • Double the number of Kansai stores from current levels
  • Launch nationwide rollout of Beauty Life Stores
  • Achieve low environmental impact and sustainable store operations
  • Realize over 20% sales ratio from mail-order channels
  • Establish brand as indispensable company in regional economy

Business Segments

Wholesale Business

Overview
Wholesales pharmaceuticals, sundries, and liquor to retail stores and restaurants.
Competitiveness
Fine-tuned supply system with regional focus
Customers
  • Retail Chains
  • Restaurants
  • Business Operators
Products
  • Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics
  • Liquor
  • Household Goods

Import/Export Operations

Overview
Handles import/export of liquor, food, and more from overseas.
Competitiveness
Stable import routes and expertise
Customers
  • Overseas Sales Agents
  • Domestic Distributors
Products
  • Imported Liquor
  • Food Sundries

Store Operations Support

Overview
Provides support services for store operation efficiency.
Competitiveness
Strengthened store network through collaboration
Customers
  • Own Stores
  • Franchise Partners
Products
  • In-Store Merchandise Management System
  • Sales Promotion Services

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Multi-format operations with regional focus
  • Drugstores strong in cosmetics
  • Diversified revenue base through multiple formats
  • Stable local customer base
  • Abundant product assortment
  • Logistics and store operations collaboration
  • Long-term store expansion strategy
  • Strong brand recognition
  • Business integration via holding company
  • Reliability as specialty retailer

Competitive Advantages

  • Region-specific strategy focused on Tokushima, Kagawa, and Kansai
  • Customer retention through cosmetics assortment
  • Synergies and efficiency from multiple businesses
  • Balanced management strong in small to medium chains
  • Product lineup accommodating wide consumer needs
  • Convenient funding via strong ties with local financial institutions
  • Aggressive expansion into growing Kansai market
  • Flexible decision-making under holding company structure
  • Strategy targeting higher purchase value through larger stores
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction via diversified selected brands

Threats

  • Intensifying competition with major drugstore chains
  • Risk of customer decline due to population decrease
  • Shift to online consumer spending
  • Rising raw material and logistics costs
  • Risk of sales restrictions from regulatory changes
  • Impact of economic fluctuations on consumer purchasing power
  • Increased funding burden from new store openings
  • Demand contraction due to stagnant regional economy
  • Price competition from rivals
  • Socioeconomic impact of new infectious diseases

Innovations

2023: Aggressive Kansai Region Store Expansion Strategy Launched

Overview
Accelerated store openings in Osaka Prefecture and other Kansai areas to develop new markets.
Impact
Contributes to revenue growth by increasing Kansai sales ratio

2022: Store Enlargement to Strengthen Selling Space

Overview
Opened large stores over 300 tsubo in floor space to boost customer attraction.
Impact
Achieved higher customer spend per visit and longer dwell time

2021: Introduction of Beauty Life Store Brand

Overview
New rollout of beauty-focused stores replacing conventional drugstores.
Impact
Contributed to higher cosmetics sales ratio and profit margins

2023: IT System Enhancement for Store Operation Efficiency

Overview
Upgraded sales management system to optimize replenishment and inventory control.
Impact
15% improvement in operational efficiency and cost reductions

2024: Expansion of Online Mail-Order Channel

Overview
Revamped official EC site to strengthen online sales of liquor and cosmetics.
Impact
Achieved 20% increase in mail-order sales

Sustainability

  • Promoting CO2 reduction through energy-saving store equipment
  • Activities to reduce plastics and promote recycling
  • Participation in local cleanup and environmental beautification
  • Promoting local production for local consumption by actively handling local agricultural products
  • Strengthened sales management to reduce waste loss