Yamato International

Basic Information

Stock Code
8127
Industry
Textile Products
Category Detail
Apparel & Fashion Accessories
Prefecture
Osaka Prefecture
Establishment Year
June 1947
Listing Year
May 1980
Official Website
http://www.yamatointr.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Overview

Yamato International is an apparel manufacturer established in 1947, centered around the 'CROCODILE' brand to develop casual clothing and holding a mid-tier position in the domestic market.

Current Situation

Yamato International achieved consolidated sales of approximately 21.6 billion yen in fiscal 2023 and maintains a stable management foundation. The flagship brand 'CROCODILE' boasts over 50 years of history, offering men's and women's wear along with sports and relaxed-fit sizes to address diverse demands. It diversifies customer touchpoints and strengthens its revenue base through directly operated stores in department stores, supermarkets, shopping malls, and its own EC site. In recent years, it has launched web-focused brands such as 'CITERA' and 'Penfield' to acquire new customer segments. The Tokyo head office building, designed by architect Hiroshi Hara, received the Murano Togo Prize in 1990, contributing to an elevated corporate image. It has also initiated efforts to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability, establishing foundations for sustained growth. Moving forward, it will enhance product development for differentiation from competitors, expand distribution channels, and build a flexible structure to adapt to market changes.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • The Tokyo head office building is a work by architect Hiroshi Hara and received the Murano Togo Prize.
  • CROCODILE is a flagship brand with over 50 years of history.
  • In the 1980s, it aired CMs featuring Hanshin Tigers players.
  • In 2023, it resumed CROCODILE brand CMs after about 40 years.
  • The Tokyo head office building was used as a filming location for the movie 'Marusa no Onna 2'.

Hidden Connections

  • Member of the Midori-kai group, affiliated with the Sanwa Group.
  • Deeply contributes to the regional economy as an Osaka-based apparel company.
  • Sponsors sports events alongside its sports brand expansion.
  • Owns subsidiary Yamato Fashion Ltd. in Shanghai for expansion in China.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Stable demand in the domestic casual apparel market
  • Expansion of EC and direct sales channels
  • Strengthened nurturing of new brands for youth
  • Shift to sustainable materials and products
  • Enhanced brand awareness through multi-channel expansion

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve over 30% EC sales ratio
  • Over 50% ratio of sustainability-compliant products
  • Expand market share of new sports brands
  • Further improve brand recognition domestically and internationally
  • Optimal channel mix of directly operated and distribution stores

Business Segments

Apparel Product Wholesale

Overview
Wholesale of a wide range of casual apparel products to retail distributors.
Competitiveness
Long-cultivated brand power and nationwide distribution network
Customers
  • Department stores
  • Specialty stores
  • Distributors
  • EC operators
  • Shopping mall operators
Products
  • Casual clothing
  • Sportswear
  • Relaxed-fit clothing

Product Planning and Development

Overview
Supports brand product planning and development to meet market needs.
Competitiveness
High planning capabilities based on market analysis
Customers
  • In-house brand operations division
  • External designers
  • Material suppliers
Products
  • Product planning support
  • Trend analysis
  • Material evaluation

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Operation of established brands for over 50 years
  • Diverse lineup of casual apparel
  • Strong distribution channels and direct sales system
  • Regional brand strength rooted in Osaka
  • High corporate image in design and architecture

Competitive Advantages

  • Unique brand value recognized for the crocodile logo
  • Acquisition of younger demographics through web-focused new brands
  • Broad sales channels including department stores and malls
  • Strengthened consumer touchpoints via directly operated stores and EC sites
  • Consistent product planning and trend responsiveness

Threats

  • Intensifying competition in the apparel market
  • Shrinking demand due to population decline in the domestic market
  • Rising raw material prices from exchange rate fluctuations
  • Risk of brand image becoming outdated
  • Fierce competition from new entrant brands

Innovations

2023: Launch of Lightning Bolt brand

Overview
Expanded the market by launching a sports-inspired casual apparel brand.
Impact
Successfully tapped into new young customer segments

2023: Resumed CROCODILE TV commercials after about 40 years

Overview
Aired TV commercials limited to Kansai and Tokai areas to revitalize brand awareness.
Impact
Strengthened the brand in regional markets

2022: Expansion of web-exclusive brand CITERA

Overview
Boosted online sales by expanding the youth-focused EC brand.
Impact
EC sales increased by 20%

2021: Enhanced product planning for trend-driven product development

Overview
Established a planning system leveraging market analysis for rapid product launches.
Impact
Improved product competitiveness

Sustainability

  • Review of materials to reduce environmental impact
  • Introduction of energy-saving equipment in directly operated stores
  • Workstyle reforms and diversity promotion for employees
  • Apparel waste reduction activities contributing to food loss reduction
  • Promotion of planning for sustainable fashion products