ZETT

Basic Information

Stock Code
8135
Industry
Wholesale
Category Detail
Consumer Products Wholesalers
Prefecture
Osaka Prefecture
Establishment Year
December 1950
Listing Year
March 1981
Official Website
https://zett.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
ZOA, Toho Remac, Echo TD, Timco, Happinet, SK Japan, Tokyo Board

Overview

ZETT is a major Osaka-based sports equipment wholesaler established in 1950, primarily handling baseball gear and sportswear.

Current Situation

ZETT recorded consolidated sales of 51.9 billion yen, ordinary income of 1 billion yen, and net income of 800 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 2024, maintaining stable performance. It has strengths in baseball gloves, bats, and spikes, with its related subsidiary Zett Create handling manufacturing. The company is advancing diversification strategies, including a license agreement with the German footwear brand 'Zeha' and an outdoor equipment business. In sustainability, it focuses on contributing to SDGs achievement and ESG management, with the philosophy of harmony between local communities and sports. In recent years, it plans to strengthen product development, brand marketing, overseas expansion, and digital transformation. It aims to enhance market recognition through collaboration with contracted players and establish a foundation for mid- to long-term growth.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Founded in 1920, with a history specialized in sports equipment.
  • Based in Kansai, boasts high market share nationwide.
  • Zett Create is a consolidated subsidiary specializing in manufacturing.
  • Contracts with numerous pro and amateur players in the baseball gear market.
  • Company name 'ZETT' implies the latest and best.
  • Won OCC Award for 'Life-Size POSITION' book in 2008.
  • License agreement with German Zeha brand for domestic sales.
  • Sports facility 'Kensofubikan' closed in 2009.
  • Former Giants players appeared in new 'Kyojin no Hoshi' anime CM.
  • Acquired training brands like 'Karts'.

Hidden Connections

  • Strong ties with European brands through license agreement with German footwear brand Zeha.
  • Contracts with multiple professional baseball players, driving brand power.
  • Celebrated 100th anniversary in 2020, with deep history forming basis of customer trust.
  • Listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market, emphasizing transparent management.
  • Unified logistics management by related subsidiaries Zairo and Jaspro is key to stable performance.
  • Predecessor was 'Watanabe Sports Goods,' contributing to baseball equipment development.
  • Entered training market by acquiring Phoenix brand business.
  • Fosters regionally rooted corporate culture through 'Spotunity' local initiatives.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Increase in contracted players and brand strengthening in baseball market
  • Expansion of youth popularity in sports apparel
  • Strengthening and expansion of digital sales channels
  • Growth in outdoor and fitness markets
  • Corporate value enhancement through ESG management
  • Expansion of licensed brands domestically and internationally
  • Rising demand for sustainability-compliant products
  • Improved manufacturing efficiency via new technologies
  • Social credibility gained through regional sports support
  • Market expansion from revitalized sports-related events
  • Active entry into overseas markets
  • Increased demand from resumption of PE activities post-COVID

Strategic Goals

  • Further promotion of ESG management and SDGs goal achievement
  • Market share expansion in domestic sports equipment
  • Achieve over 20% sales ratio from overseas markets
  • Entry into new sports and fitness businesses
  • Become market leader in training equipment field
  • Develop and promote low-environmental-impact products
  • Nationwide rollout of sports education support programs
  • Customer base expansion through strengthened digital marketing
  • Achieve logistics efficiency and cost optimization
  • Build product development system addressing diverse customer needs

Business Segments

Sales to Schools and Sports Clubs

Overview
Stable supply of competitive equipment to educational institutions and club teams.
Competitiveness
Reliability and brand power through collaboration with contracted players
Customers
  • Elementary, Junior High, and High Schools
  • University Athletic Clubs
  • Local Sports Clubs
  • Youth Teams
  • Professional Sports Teams
Products
  • Baseball Gloves and Bats
  • Softball Equipment
  • Sports Wear
  • Spike Shoes
  • Training Equipment

Wholesale to Sports Goods Retailers

Overview
Provides a wide range of sports products to retailers.
Competitiveness
Broad product lineup and logistics efficiency
Customers
  • Sports Specialty Stores
  • Large Retail Chains
  • Department Store Sports Sections
  • Online Retailers
Products
  • Bats and Gloves
  • Sports Apparel
  • Shoes
  • Accessories

Product Planning for Sports Teams and Promotions

Overview
Supports planning and development of original goods for sports teams.
Competitiveness
Proven track record of brand contributions and planning expertise
Customers
  • Professional Baseball Teams
  • Sports Event Organizers
  • Advertising Agencies
Products
  • Custom Uniforms
  • Commemorative Items
  • Merchandise Products

Outdoor and Mountaineering Goods Wholesale

Overview
Wholesale sales of Lodge brand outdoor equipment.
Competitiveness
Product planning and quality assurance leveraging expertise
Customers
  • Outdoor Shops
  • Retail Chain Outdoor Sections
Products
  • Backpacks
  • Mountaineering Wear
  • Accessories

Training and Fitness Equipment Sales

Overview
Provides wholesale of training equipment under brands like Karts.
Competitiveness
Specialized equipment development and high customer satisfaction
Customers
  • Gym Operators
  • Fitness Schools
  • Rehabilitation Facilities
Products
  • Training Machines
  • Fitness Equipment
  • Rehabilitation Devices

Logistics and Supply Chain Services

Overview
Efficient logistics services through subsidiaries like Zairo.
Competitiveness
Integrated logistics management system
Customers
  • Group Companies
  • Retail and Wholesale Partners
Products
  • Product Delivery
  • Inventory Management
  • Logistics Optimization Services

Overseas Sales and Import/Export

Overview
Expands sales to overseas markets centered on China subsidiary.
Competitiveness
Strong sales channel network in Asia
Customers
  • Overseas Retailers
  • Import Agents
Products
  • General Sports Equipment

Sports Medical and Rehabilitation Goods Wholesale

Overview
Wholesale and sales support for sports medical supplies.
Competitiveness
Provision of high-quality products tailored to specialized fields
Customers
  • Orthopedic Clinics
  • Sports Clinics
  • Rehabilitation Facilities
Products
  • Joint Supporters
  • Taping Supplies

Sports Teaching Materials for Educational Institutions

Overview
Provides teaching materials and training resources for coaches.
Competitiveness
Practical material development and coaching support
Customers
  • PE Teachers
  • Sports Coaches
Products
  • Position-Specific Instructional Books
  • Training DVDs

Advertising and Media Promotion

Overview
Implements promotion support and sponsorship activities.
Competitiveness
High recognition and network in the baseball industry
Customers
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Sports Organizations
Products
  • CM Production
  • Event Support

Licensed Product Planning and Sales

Overview
Manages domestic rollout of brands like Zeha.
Competitiveness
Brand value enhancement and product development capabilities
Customers
  • Domestic Brands
  • Overseas Brands
Products
  • Licensed Sports Shoes
  • Wear Products

Outdoor Equipment Planning and Development

Overview
Plans and provides high-quality outdoor equipment via OEM.
Competitiveness
Product development capabilities and quality control systems
Customers
  • Retail Companies
  • OEM Partners
Products
  • Mountaineering Equipment
  • Outdoor Accessories

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Long history and high brand recognition
  • Strong position in the domestic baseball equipment market
  • Detailed product lineup
  • Strong ties with contracted professional players
  • Manufacturing and logistics capabilities through diversified subsidiaries
  • Solid wholesale relationships with large sports retailers
  • Stable financial base
  • Regionally focused sales activities
  • Foundation laid for active overseas expansion
  • Enhanced digital response within the industry
  • ESG management initiatives
  • Original sports wear brand development
  • High-quality material selection and processing technology
  • Prompt customer response
  • Abundant sports education support content

Competitive Advantages

  • High technical expertise and reliability built through baseball equipment specialization
  • Integrated production system combining multiple subsidiaries
  • Strong sales and planning capabilities as a sports equipment wholesaler
  • Brand expansion power via license agreements like Zeha
  • Marketing effects and product development collaboration with contracted players
  • Nationwide sales network based in Osaka
  • Improved corporate image by integrating SDGs and ESG into management
  • Diverse sports equipment offerings tailored to customer needs
  • Stable capital structure and dividend policy
  • Active sponsorship of sports-related events
  • Secured strong wholesale routes to specialty stores
  • Adoption of latest materials and optimized cost-performance
  • Speedy new product launches through rapid market response
  • Cost reduction and shortened delivery times via logistics efficiency
  • B2B expansion across a wide range of sports fields

Threats

  • Increased competition in the sports market leading to price wars
  • Impact of raw material prices and exchange rate fluctuations
  • Concerns over declining sports population due to falling birthrates
  • Market share loss to emerging brands
  • Demand slump due to infectious diseases like COVID-19
  • Risk of declining competitiveness from delayed digitalization
  • Profit pressure from persistently high domestic manufacturing costs
  • Increased costs for responding to stricter environmental regulations
  • Political and economic risks in overseas expansion
  • Demand fluctuations from diversifying consumer preferences
  • Reduced promotional opportunities from sports event postponements/cancellations
  • Declining competitiveness from delayed adaptation to technological innovations

Innovations

2022: Zeha Brand Expansion and Strengthened Domestic Rollout

Overview
Expanded shoes and apparel offerings for the German licensed brand Zeha.
Impact
Successfully tapped into new customer segments with premium lineup.

2023: Enhanced Joint Product Development with Contracted Players

Overview
Advanced product design and marketing incorporating top players' input.
Impact
Contributed to higher product satisfaction and brand recognition.

2024: Strengthened Digital Sales Channels

Overview
Renewed official EC site and enhanced online store integration.
Impact
Achieved 20% increase in mail-order sales.

2021: Initiated Adoption of Sustainable Materials

Overview
Actively introduced environmentally friendly materials in select products.
Impact
Gained support from environmentally conscious consumers.

2020: Expanded Outdoor Equipment Business

Overview
Launched multiple new mountaineering products under Lodge brand.
Impact
Achieved sales diversification.

2023: Planning and Development of High-Function Training Equipment

Overview
Developed AI-equipped stretch machines under Karts brand, etc.
Impact
Expanding share in gym and rehabilitation markets.

2022: Introduced Automation in Manufacturing Processes

Overview
Introduced advanced machinery in related subsidiaries to improve production efficiency.
Impact
Achieved 15% productivity improvement and cost reductions.

2021: Strengthened Technical Guidance by Contracted Players

Overview
Accelerated development system integrating technical guidance and product planning.
Impact
Shortened new product development timelines.

Sustainability

  • Strengthening business activities toward SDGs goal achievement
  • Promoting active use of environmentally friendly materials
  • Introducing energy-saving manufacturing processes
  • Supporting sports promotion in local communities
  • Enhancing ESG management framework