Cox

Basic Information

Stock Code
9876
Industry
Retail
Category Detail
Apparel & Fashion Retailers
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
May 1973
Listing Year
August 1990
Official Website
https://www.cox-online.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Adastria, Palemo HD, Horii Food, Starsize, ANAP Holdings, TOKYO BASE, Baroque Japan Limited, Right On, Workman, MacHouse, United Arrows, Shimamura, Altech

Overview

Cox is a casual apparel specialty retailer founded in 1973 as part of the Aeon Group, with strengths in diverse brand development and online sales.

Current Situation

Cox recorded consolidated sales of approximately 16.39 billion yen and net profit of approximately 549 million yen for the fiscal year ending February 2021. As a member of the Aeon Group, it has a stable financial base and operates multiple brands and stores mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Major brands include ik·ka, GRAND PHASE, Sens de vie, and others, with online-only brands like notch. and NONEED growing. The company focuses on an omni-channel strategy using its EC site and app, and engages in CRM business leveraging customer data. It promotes business efficiency through centralized logistics centers and cashless payments. Sustainability efforts include reducing environmental impact and developing eco-friendly materials. Moving forward, it aims to expand sales through urban station building stores and online brand growth, with digital transformation and brand diversification as key strategies.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Predecessor was Hamamatsu Yohin store founded in 1957
  • Stable foundation as Aeon Group's apparel specialty store
  • Successfully developed own online-only brands
  • Integrated logistics center in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture for efficiency
  • Acquired young customers through enhanced EC app
  • Operates fashion mask specialty store in Tokyo Station Yaesu Underground Mall
  • Early adopter of cashless payments
  • Early adoption of chatbot for HR hiring
  • Uses environmentally considerate packaging materials
  • Introduced referral hiring program

Hidden Connections

  • Collaborates with numerous retail companies through Aeon Group's intermediate holding company
  • Meets wide customer needs through multiple brand deployments
  • Logistics center in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka is a key hub in group logistics strategy
  • Strength in digital marketing via EC and smartphone apps
  • Environmentally friendly product development aligns with group's ESG strategy
  • Plans to enter urban station buildings for high-access locations
  • HR chatbot is an advanced example in the industry
  • Fashion mask market entry was a response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expansion of online sales and multi-channel sales strengthening
  • New store format development to meet market needs
  • Focus on sustainable fashion and environmentally friendly product development
  • Synergy creation through Aeon Group collaboration
  • Active deployment of EC-exclusive brands
  • Customer attraction improvement through urban station building openings
  • Customer experience improvement via data analysis
  • Ongoing logistics efficiency improvements
  • Deepening of cashless and IT utilization
  • Strengthening talent hiring and development, promoting flexible work styles
  • Acceleration of digital marketing
  • Strengthening collaboration with overseas partners

Strategic Goals

  • Expand EC sales ratio to over 50%
  • Strengthen sustainable products across all channels to reduce environmental impact
  • Open 10 or more new format stores in urban areas
  • Expand omni-channel customer base
  • Maintain employee satisfaction at 90% or higher
  • Achieve sales diversification through brand portfolio
  • Further efficiency and environmental response in logistics bases
  • Establish hiring strategy centered on referrals
  • Full deployment of AI utilization like chatbots
  • Maximize added value through Aeon Group collaboration

Business Segments

Store Operation Support

Overview
Provides comprehensive support for store operations to enhance sales promotion.
Competitiveness
Sales strength through Aeon Group internal collaboration
Customers
  • Sales Agents
  • Large Commercial Facilities
  • Shopping Mall Operators
Products
  • Store Fixtures Provision
  • Promotional Tools
  • Staff Training Programs

Product Planning and Manufacturing

Overview
Manages from planning to manufacturing to improve product competitiveness.
Competitiveness
Planning capabilities based on extensive market data
Customers
  • Own Brands
  • OEM Clients
  • Sourcing Companies
Products
  • Apparel Planning
  • Material Procurement
  • Quality Control

Logistics Services

Overview
Efficient logistics network for quick response to customer needs.
Competitiveness
Operational efficiency of centralized logistics centers
Customers
  • Wholesalers
  • Other Retail Chains
  • EC Operators
Products
  • Warehouse Management
  • Logistics Integration System
  • Delivery Management

IT Solutions

Overview
Utilizes the latest IT tools to improve business efficiency and customer experience.
Competitiveness
Expertise in omni-channel promotion
Customers
  • Internal Systems Department
  • Other Retailers
  • EC Site Operators
Products
  • Customer Management System
  • Chatbot Implementation
  • EC Site Development Support

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Aeon Group's financial strength and stability
  • Broad customer base through diverse brand deployment
  • Omni-channel strategy integrating EC and physical stores
  • Cost reduction through logistics center efficiency
  • Enhanced customer convenience with cashless payments and chatbots
  • Market responsiveness through new store formats
  • Planning and sales of environmentally friendly products
  • Long industry experience and know-how
  • Product lineup covering wide age groups
  • Deployment of online-only brands
  • Stylish and diverse design offerings
  • High staff training and service quality
  • Stable financial foundation
  • Synergy effects from group internal collaboration
  • Aggressive digital marketing deployment

Competitive Advantages

  • Business foundation leveraging Aeon Group's comprehensive strength
  • Strong store network centered on Tokyo metropolitan area
  • Growth potential of new brands centered on EC
  • Customer touchpoints through integrated diverse sales channels
  • Sustainability initiatives considering environment and society
  • Diversity of online-only brands not found in competitors
  • Cost competitiveness through efficient logistics network
  • Improved customer experience via IT tool implementation
  • Precise customer analysis using marketing data
  • High-quality customer service through talent development
  • Quick trend response with flexible product planning
  • Business synergy enhancement through collaboration with Aeon Group companies
  • Differentiation and new customer acquisition via new store formats
  • Customer retention through abundant product categories
  • Stable capital structure and long-term management perspective

Threats

  • Intense price competition in the apparel industry
  • Changes in consumer sentiment due to COVID-19 impact
  • Competitors' EC strengthening and new entrants
  • Rapid changes in consumer preferences and trends
  • Risk of rising raw material costs due to exchange fluctuations
  • Increased compliance costs from stricter environmental regulations
  • Rising store operation costs due to labor shortages
  • Supply chain disruption risks
  • Decline in competitiveness if lagging in digital technology innovations
  • Brand image deterioration from quality issues in related brands
  • Risk of consumption stagnation from external shocks
  • Further intensification of online market competition

Innovations

2020: Major Online Shop Renewal

Overview
Completely revamped the official EC site to improve user convenience and sales efficiency.
Impact
EC sales increased by 20%, successfully acquiring new customers.

2021: Introduction of Chatbot Customer Service System

Overview
Adopted AI chatbot 'AutoTalk Biz' to streamline inquiry responses.
Impact
Customer response time reduced by 30%, contributing to improved satisfaction.

2022: Expansion of Cashless Payments

Overview
Expanded electronic payments like PayPay in major stores to improve purchasing convenience.
Impact
Diversified payment methods increased young customer visits by 10%.

2023: Adoption of Eco Packaging Material 'EcoBizBox'

Overview
Introduced eco-friendly packaging for all product deliveries to reduce environmental burden.
Impact
Contributed to reduction in logistics waste and improved corporate image.

2024: Launch of Referral Hiring Program

Overview
Implemented employee referral hiring initiative to improve retention.
Impact
Improved hiring efficiency and reduced costs.

Sustainability

  • Expansion of environmentally friendly material use
  • Efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in logistics
  • Introduction of energy-saving measures in stores
  • Promotion of discarded clothing recycling
  • Awareness activities for sustainable fashion
  • Collaboration with local communities on environmental education
  • Employee training to raise environmental awareness
  • Full adoption of eco packaging materials
  • Setting goals to reduce plastic use
  • Review of packaging materials for online sales