ASICS announces 21% sales increase in Europe for the first quarter of 2011

Published: 16 August, 2011

ASICS Europe continues to deliver strong growth, with an overall net sales increase of 21% for the first quarter of 2011. The growth was a result of running footwear posting one of the highest sales figures in recent years with turnover rising by 34%; particularly the key performance running market Germany posted outstanding figures.

Higher price point products and the development of new categories, such as trail running, drove the growth. Double digit growth figures were also seen in other sports categories, such as indoor sports and tennis, indicating the ongoing success of ASICS' objective to transform from a running specialist into a true sports performance brand. There were very positive developments in the apparel business with a double-digit increase in the performance collection, whilst tennis doubled in size.

During 2010 ASICS successfully re-organized the apparel design and development team in Europe. This unit is on track to quadruple turnover by 2015, as previewed in ASICS’ growth plan. In Europe, apparel is seen as the biggest growth opportunity and now contributes for nearly 40% of sales in ASICS' owned retail outlets. Exceptional performance ensured that ASICS' defended its position as the number one volleyball brand in Germany and Italy; these two countries are key markets for this sector. ASICS also grew the sales of handball in Germany and France and the company is on course to overtake its closest rival in indoor footwear. Regions across Europe performed well. Russia reported triple-digit growth, and significant double-digit growth was seen in the UK, Germany, Scandinavia and Poland.

Strong double-digit growth was also seen in France and Benelux. NPD data confirms that ASICS beat the positive market trend in the trail running segment across Europe. ASICS grew its trail running category in Spain, where the brand currently holds a number two position and has narrowed the margin between its nearest competitor. In France, where ASICS holds nearly a third of the market, ASICS grew the category by significant double digits. ASICS is outperforming the market trend in Italy and showed similar development figures as ASICS France.

Alistair Cameron, CEO of ASICS Europe B.V. comments: ”We are outperforming the market in all key sports categories, whilst reinforcing our position as undisputed leader in running. With a clear strategy to develop ASICS as the true sport performance brand, we are ideally positioned for the Olympic year and beyond. With major product launches planned in the next six months, we are looking to continue the strong positive trend. We are on course to deliver ASICS' goal for long-term sustainable growth.”

Bookmark this

ECCO Achieved Record Results in 2011
“We are proud to be able to present the best results in the company’s history. We increased turnover by DKK 1 billion compared with 2010, delivering a bottom line of DKK 904 million,” says Chief Operating Officer Michael Hauge Sørensen, who continues: “A lot of things went well for ECCO in 2011, but the year was not without challenges. The low point came when our factory and tannery in Thailand were hit by massive floods in October. But our employees pulled together and displayed tremendous determination and ability to get things up and running again. In terms of products, we were spot on with our collections, which were well received all over the world. This was of vital importance in our emerging strongly from 2011. ECCO will not be resting on its laurels, however. We will continue to develop new exciting products and focus on even better customer service.
MBT APPOINTS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR
MBT is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben May as managing director for the UK and Ireland.Joining the pioneering footwear brand’s leadership team in the UK and Ireland, Ben, who also oversees operations in Spain, Portugal and Andorra, has been tasked with continuing to drive forward the success of the brand, which celebrates its 15^th anniversary this year.
Magnum’s new H4H running trainers given P2i’s ion-mask coating for freeAbingdon
Abingdon, UK, 7 November 2011: P2i, the world leader in liquid repellent nano-coating technology, has coated 1,200 pairs of the brand new Magnum H4H running trainer: V-Lite Intrepid HPi H4H, free of charge in a bid to help raise £10,000 for the ‘Help for Heroes’ charity
WALK THIS WAY TO MBT STRATFORD - Premium footwear brand MBT arrives at Westfield Stratford City
Physiological footwear pioneer MBT this season opens a new flagship store at Westfield Stratford City, London’s newest shopping destination, stocking its exclusive F/W ‘11 collection and offering its latest, award winning functional shoe, the Ari.
PROSPECS SHOWCASES WALKING SHOE BRAND IN THE UK
Introducing Innovative Move Frame Technology for UK Consumers - UK, August 26, 2011 – PROSPECS, the sports lifestyle brand of LS Networks, Korea, announces the showcase of its dedicated walking shoe line, PROSPECS W at the Korean Brands Exhibition, Harrods, London 28th August – 24th September 2011. Designed for the unique stresses and impact of walking, the PROSPECS W line departs from standard running shoes to enhance walking-based exercise and bring added comfort and support though its unique Move Frame Technology.