Valuence Holdings

Basic Information

Stock Code: 9270
Industry: Wholesale
Category Detail: Specialty Stores & Drugstores
Prefecture: Tokyo
Establishment Year: December 2011
Listing Year: March 2018
Official Website: https://www.ai-sou.co.jp/
TSE Information: TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance: Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies: Hard Off Corporation, Komehyo Holdings, Treasure Factory, Econos, Suppin, Kaitori Kingdom, Techmila, Proto Corporation, Officebusters, Synmaint, AHC, BuySell Technologies, Wattman

Overview

Valuence Holdings is a leading company in the rapidly growing wholesale sector, centered on the purchase and sale of branded goods, established in 2011.

Current Situation

Valuence Holdings recorded consolidated net sales of ¥76.130 billion and ordinary income of ¥2.034 billion for the fiscal year ended August 2023, establishing a solid position in Japan's domestic used branded goods market. Through nationwide expansion centered on its flagship purchase store 'Nanboya,' it has achieved steady business growth. In recent years, it has focused on strengthening its handling of branded goods, precious metals, antiques, and similar items, differentiating itself from competitors through specialized appraisal expertise and strong purchasing power. Since listing, it has transitioned to a holding company structure, enhancing overall group management efficiency. While promoting sustainability and improving customer experience through digital transformation (DX), it is actively expanding into overseas markets, forging collaborations with other industries, and venturing into new business areas such as the professional dance league 'D.LEAGUE.' Moving forward, alongside community-based purchase and sales, it will strategically leverage IT technologies for business efficiency improvements and new customer development, aiming for further growth and profit expansion from 2025 onward.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

High market recognition from brand reuse business since the SOU Corporation era
Founder Shinsuke Ukimoto is a former professional soccer player who transitioned to business
Renowned in the brand purchase industry for authenticity appraisal expertise
Deploying unique image strategy through entry into professional dance league
Introduced AI appraisal technology for branded goods purchases
Transitioned to holding company structure in 2020 and formulated new corporate philosophy
Relocated headquarters from Kansai region to Minato-ku, Tokyo, to expand business base
Handles asset management sensitive to international precious metal price trends
Characterized by diverse business deployments leveraging group companies
Store name 'Nanboya' derives from Kansai dialect meaning price negotiation

Hidden Connections

Close relationship with Gamba Osaka, former team of founder Shinsuke Ukimoto, through sponsorship contract.
Intense competition with major players in Nikkei industry 'Recycle Shops' market.
Possesses advanced IT adoption network within brand goods recycling industry.
Professional dance league entry contributes to brand awareness expansion among youth.
Expanded into antiques and ancient art fields through subsidiary acquisitions.
Group-wide management strategy integrated following holding company transition.
Conducts business addressing asset management needs akin to financial assets in purchase and sales field.
Unique positioning specializing in brand purchases within industry code 6050 (Wholesale).

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

Expansion of used branded goods market and consumer reuse mindset
Advanced efficiency in appraisal and sales through IT technologies
Overseas market development and rising demand in Asia
New customer segment development through cross-industry collaborations
Increasing demand for precious metals and antiques as asset management
Focus on sustainability and environmentally considerate management

Strategic Goals

Expand overseas sales ratio to over 25%
Complete digitalization of customer touchpoints via IT platforms
Achieve improvements in sustainability metrics and environmental impact reductions
Expand purchase and sales stores nationwide to over 100
Achieve ¥10 billion in sales from new business areas
Maintain and improve customer satisfaction to over 90%

Business Segments

Branded Goods Wholesale

Overview

Business wholesaling luxury branded goods primarily to dealers.

Competitiveness

Authenticity appraisal expertise by specialist appraisers

Customers

Dealers and reuse shops
E-commerce operators
Department stores
Specialty stores

Products

Brand bags
Luxury watches
Jewelry
Precious metal bullion

Asset Management Product Provision

Overview

Provides high-value products tailored to asset preservation and management needs.

Competitiveness

Specialized evaluation and distribution network

Customers

High-net-worth individuals
Investment funds
Precious metals dealers

Products

Pure gold bullion
Platinum bars
Rare antiques

Art and Antiques Wholesale

Overview

Conducts wholesale of high-end antiques for the art market.

Competitiveness

Expertise in art appraisal

Customers

Art dealers
Galleries
Museums

Products

Japanese paintings
Western paintings
Ceramics

Digital Platform Provision

Overview

Provides IT services to enhance user convenience.

Competitiveness

Advanced IT infrastructure operations

Customers

General customers
Industry partners
Sales agents

Products

Official online purchase service
Appraisal app
Sales and logistics management system

Logistics and Distribution Services

Overview

Operates logistics services supporting product distribution within the group.

Competitiveness

High logistics efficiency and product management

Customers

Group companies
External partners

Products

Product storage and delivery
Inventory management services

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

High authenticity verification capabilities by specialist appraisers
Established diverse purchase and sales channel network
Specialization in branded goods and asset-value products
Strong asset valuation and distribution network
Management efficiency through holding company structure
Aggressive market development capabilities
Diversified growth through cross-industry collaborations
Customer convenience via IT platforms
Business diversification leveraging group subsidiaries
Stable financial foundation
Appropriate responsiveness to growth markets
Fine-tuned community-based services
Trust earned within the industry
Increased recognition among younger demographics
Exploration of global expansion

Competitive Advantages

Employs skilled appraisers boasting high authenticity accuracy
As a listed company, strong in fundraising and credibility
Attractive customer draw through diverse sales channels and nationwide presence
Promoting innovation in customer experience using IT technologies
Focused on high-brand-value used branded goods market
Rapid decision-making possible under holding company structure
Maintains stable customer base in reuse market
Efficient operations via subsidiaries specialized by field
Prominent strengths in high-asset-value precious metals and antiques sectors
Active external partnerships contribute to competitiveness
Brand awareness expansion effects from advertising and promotions
Achieved business efficiency and cost reductions through DX
Customer retention via multifaceted service offerings
Resilient portfolio management against market fluctuations
High expertise in brand reuse and antiques

Threats

Consumer demand fluctuations due to COVID-19
Intensifying competition in used goods market
Risks from overseas brand pricing policy changes
Exchange rate fluctuations impacting procurement costs
Increased business costs from stricter regulations
Risks of online fraud and counterfeit brand goods circulation
Shifts in consumer behavior from rising environmental awareness
Cyber risks in digital platforms
Market share erosion by new entrants
Decline in demand for high-value goods during economic downturns
Intensified price competition from asset valuation fluctuations
Consumer shift away from reuse

Innovations

2022: Entry into Professional Dance League 'D.LEAGUE'

Overview: Established its own team 'Valuence INFINITIES' in Japan's first professional dance league.
Impact: Successfully enhanced brand recognition and reached younger demographics.

2020: Transition to Holding Company Structure and New Company Name Introduction

Overview: Streamlined group management and accelerated business diversification.
Impact: Achieved management efficiency improvements and faster strategic decision-making.

2021: Enhanced Online Appraisal Services

Overview: Expanded free online appraisals for branded goods via official website.
Impact: Contributed to expanded customer touchpoints and improved convenience.

2023: Advancing Aggressive Overseas Store Expansion Strategy

Overview: Focused on new store openings in Asia and strengthened collaborations with other industries.
Impact: Contributed to increased overseas sales ratio and market share expansion.

2022: Overhaul of Sales and Distribution Management System Using IT

Overview: Promoted internal efficiency, data visualization, and sales enhancement.
Impact: Realized productivity improvements and accurate demand forecasting.

2021: Introduction of AI Appraisal

Overview: Began deploying AI models for branded goods value assessment.
Impact: Contributed to faster appraisals and stabilized accuracy.

2023: Launch of New Services Through Cross-Industry Collaborations

Overview: Initiated unique customer services via collaborations with other industry firms.
Impact: Promoted customer base expansion and entry into new markets.

2020: Management Efficiency Through Subsidiary Integration

Overview: Conducted group reorganization including absorption merger of Brand Concierge Co., Ltd.
Impact: Advanced resource concentration and cost reductions.

Sustainability

Reducing environmental impact through waste reduction and recycling promotion
Active participation in local events and cultural activities
Promoting sustainable resource use and social contribution activities
Enhancing employee work-life balance and respecting diversity
Business efficiency and waste reduction through IT utilization