Moonbat

Basic Information

Stock Code
8115
Industry
Wholesale
Category Detail
Apparel & Fashion Accessories
Prefecture
Kyoto Prefecture
Establishment Year
September 1941
Listing Year
March 1977
Official Website
https://www.moonbat.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Kawasaki, Takasago Iron, Toami, Car Mate, Barcos

Overview

Moonbat is a long-established wholesaler based in Kyoto, founded in 1885, specializing in the planning and manufacturing of umbrellas and women's fashion accessories.

Current Situation

Moonbat recorded consolidated net sales of 10.61 billion yen and operating profit of 434 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 2024. In addition to its core umbrella business, it boasts high handling rates for women's scarves, mufflers, hats, and more, with sales networks spanning domestically and internationally, primarily through department stores and specialty stores. A key feature is its multi-brand approach via licensed production, and since 2009, it has promoted sales of environmentally considerate products like 'Eco-De'. The company focuses on product development and material selection with sustainability in mind, striving to maintain its competitive edge in the industry. Leveraging its history and technology since founding, it is also pursuing new business ventures and design innovations. In the medium term, it has outlined strategies for brand strengthening and sales channel diversification. Taking into account changes in the distribution environment, it is also considering digital marketing to achieve stable growth.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Founded in 1885, one of the oldest companies in Japan's umbrella industry.
  • Provided Expo umbrellas for the 1970 Osaka World Expo.
  • Launched the eco-umbrella 'Eco-De' in 2009, which can be separated into frame and fabric.
  • Headquartered in Kyoto, originally started as a Nishijin weave obi wholesaler.
  • Holds license agreements with numerous famous fashion brands.
  • Continuously challenges industry norms with unique designs like asymmetrical forms.
  • Launched original brand 'HANWAY' in 2003 and operates directly managed stores.
  • Once ventured into apparel business but failed.
  • Known for high handling rates of women's fashion accessories.
  • Also manufactures umbrellas with wooden and bamboo frames, fusing with traditional crafts.
  • Possesses strong brand power with extremely high handling rates in domestic department stores.
  • Achieves flexible product deployment through brand management and OEM production.
  • Featured on TV Tokyo's 'Gaia no Yoake' program.
  • Founder was Yoeimon Kono; steadily growing through generational succession.
  • Established pioneering position in the industry through eco-friendly products.

Hidden Connections

  • Deep historical ties to Japan's traditional Nishijin weaving industry contribute to product quality.
  • Product provision for Osaka Expo greatly boosted brand recognition.
  • Builds relationships with international brands through licensed production of fashion brands.
  • In-house original brand development serves as a model for SMEs in the industry.
  • Contributes to regional economic revitalization through collaboration with Kyoto's industrial promotion.
  • Brand awareness among general consumers surged through TV program features.
  • License management division is key to maintaining quality for multinational brands.
  • Competitive edge established by linking environmental awareness with product technology.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Market expansion from increasing demand for eco-friendly products.
  • Persistence of domestic department store and specialty store networks.
  • Diversification and strengthening of licensed brands.
  • Expansion of digital and e-commerce channels.
  • Continuous improvement of high-quality umbrella materials and technologies.
  • Planning capabilities to address changing fashion preferences.
  • Gradual forays into overseas markets.
  • Advancement of sustainability management.
  • Acquisition of new customer segments and development of youth-oriented products.
  • Brand value enhancement centered on coexistence with the region.
  • Diversification of revenue base through strengthened OEM business.
  • Sales activation through seasonal limited and collaboration products.

Strategic Goals

  • Make over 30% of all products eco-friendly.
  • Maintain and expand market share in major domestic department stores.
  • Increase EC sales ratio to 20%.
  • Acquire 5 or more new licensed brands.
  • Initiate overseas brand expansion and achieve 10% sales.
  • Achieve 30% reduction in manufacturing process CO2 emissions.
  • Promote product longevity to reduce waste.
  • Actively deploy consumer-participating environmental activities.
  • Strengthen customer touchpoints through digital technology.
  • Enhance employee diversity and supportive work environment.

Business Segments

Fashion Accessories Wholesaling

Overview
Wholesales high-quality products centered on women's fashion accessories to retailers domestically and internationally.
Competitiveness
Multi-brand handling through licensed production and long years of sales track record
Customers
  • Department stores
  • Specialty stores
  • Major retail chains
  • Mail-order operators
  • Select shops
Products
  • Umbrellas
  • Scarves
  • Mufflers
  • Hats
  • Gloves
  • Shawls
  • Fur products
  • Umbrella accessories

Manufacturing Outsourcing and OEM

Overview
Provides integrated OEM services from planning to manufacturing for client brands.
Competitiveness
High-quality control and rapid production response
Customers
  • Domestic apparel brands
  • Overseas fashion brands
  • Licensed brand operators
Products
  • Umbrella OEM manufacturing
  • Women's sundries OEM
  • Licensed production management

Material Procurement

Overview
Procures and manages materials and parts used in umbrellas and hats.
Competitiveness
Material procurement network built since founding
Customers
  • Manufacturing division
  • External manufacturing contractors
Products
  • Nishijin weave fabric
  • Premium fabrics
  • Frame and handle components

Wholesale Distribution Support

Overview
Provides support services for efficient wholesale distribution and sales promotion.
Competitiveness
Close collaboration with retail stores
Customers
  • Distributors
  • Logistics providers
  • Retail stores
Products
  • Logistics services
  • Sales promotion support
  • In-store design proposals

Eco-Friendly Product Planning

Overview
Promotes planning and distribution of eco-friendly products to meet market needs.
Competitiveness
Early track record in eco-product rollout
Customers
  • Eco-conscious consumers
  • Retail stores
Products
  • Eco-De umbrellas
  • Recyclable parts

Brand License Management

Overview
Manages licensed production for multiple brands, maintaining product quality and image.
Competitiveness
Market responsiveness through multi-brand management
Customers
  • Brand owners
  • Retailers
Products
  • Brand product planning oversight
  • Quality control
  • Marketing support

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Brand strength from over 130 years of history and tradition
  • Capability to handle multi-brand licensed production
  • Early rollout of eco-friendly products
  • Stable sales network centered on department stores
  • High-tech umbrella manufacturing system
  • Diverse lineup of women's fashion accessories
  • Strict quality control system
  • Flexible OEM manufacturing response
  • Regionally rooted sales capabilities
  • Utilization of diverse sales channels
  • High-specialized planning and development capabilities
  • Experienced management team
  • Solid financial foundation
  • Strong trust relationships with customers
  • High recognition in the domestic market

Competitive Advantages

  • Holds top-class domestic market share in umbrellas
  • Cost advantages from long-standing material procurement network
  • Handles numerous licensed brands to cater to wide customer segments
  • Improved market image through early introduction of eco-friendly products
  • Possesses multiple high-quality sales channels including department stores
  • Quick trend response due to strong product planning capabilities
  • Abundant OEM and contract manufacturing experience for diverse projects
  • High-quality product development through collaboration with local industries
  • Product reliability from inherited craftsmanship since founding
  • Strict quality management system to protect brand value
  • Steady management policy focused on stability and sustainability
  • High customization proposal capabilities per customer
  • Implementation of unique environmental strategies differing from competitors
  • Comprehensive after-sales service system
  • Product lineup reflecting domestic and international trends

Threats

  • Intensifying sales competition due to shrinking domestic market
  • Price competition with low-cost overseas products
  • Cost increase risks from raw material price fluctuations
  • Seasonal demand fluctuations due to climate change
  • Product obsolescence from changing consumer preferences
  • Shrinking department store market and evolving sales channels
  • Intensified market competition from new entrants
  • Risk of license agreement terminations
  • Compliance burden from strengthened recycling regulations
  • Rising import costs from exchange rate fluctuations
  • Manufacturing capacity constraints from labor shortages
  • Political and economic risks in overseas production sites

Innovations

2024: Expansion of Eco-Friendly Umbrella Lineup

Overview
Further improved the separable umbrella 'Eco-De' to reduce environmental impact at disposal.
Impact
Contributes to enhanced environmental image and acquisition of new customers

2023: Launch of New Brand 'Lumière'

Overview
Established a new fashion scarf and muffler brand for younger demographics to expand market share.
Impact
Successfully acquired new customer segments

2022: Strengthening Digital Marketing

Overview
Enhanced brand awareness through SNS utilization and refresh of in-house EC site.
Impact
EC sales increased 20% year-over-year

2021: Adoption of High-Durability Carbon Umbrella Frames

Overview
Introduced lightweight, high-strength frame materials to launch long-lasting new products.
Impact
Succeeded in developing high-priced products

Sustainability

  • Reducing environmental impact through development of separable disposable umbrellas
  • Thorough environmental consideration throughout the supply chain
  • Promoting resource recycling within the company
  • Deployment of environmental education programs
  • Expanding use of sustainable materials
  • Introducing efficient production processes to reduce waste
  • Efforts to reduce CO2 emissions
  • Promoting employee-participating environmental activities
  • Improving energy efficiency
  • Collaboration with Kyoto Prefecture for environmental improvement