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Tag: fashionable

  • Lululemon Debuts in Japan with Innovative Flagship Store in Tokyos Fashionable Harajuku District

    Lululemon Debuts in Japan with Innovative Flagship Store in Tokyos Fashionable Harajuku District

    Lululemon, the well-known Canadian athleisure brand, is set to break into the Japanese market with its first flagship store in Harajuku, Tokyo. The store is scheduled to open on August 19, marking a significant milestone for the brand’s international expansion.

    Lululemon’s Harajuku Connection

    The choice to situate their flagship store in Harajuku district, a melting pot of fashion and community spirit, was a strategic move by Lululemon to align with the brand’s identity. The brand expressed how the unique blend of history, culture, creativity, and freedom in Harajuku and Jingumae districts echoes the core values of Lululemon, which include movement, connection, and community. The brand’s appreciation for the diverse cultural energy in Harajuku, the historical significance of Meiji Jingu Shrine, and the vibrant vivacity of Yoyogi Park, is reflected in the ethos of their new store.

    The Harajuku flagship store will feature artwork inspired by the local culture and landmarks such as the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park. This distinctive artwork, a result of collaborations with local artists, will add an authentic touch of the locale to the store.

    A Unique Shopping Experience

    In addition to offering their signature athleisure line, the store will also provide a unique shopping experience with a personalization service exclusive to the Harajuku store. Customers will be able to customize select products, such as embossing on the Everywhere Belt Bag and engraving on the Back to Life Sports Bottle.

    Stewart Tudor, President of Lululemon Japan, stated that the flagship store is not just a retail outlet, rather it aspires to be a community hub that fosters connections, ideas, and inspiration.

    Questions & Answers

    What is unique about Lululemon’s Harajuku store?
    The Harajuku store will incorporate artwork inspired by local culture and landmarks, created in collaboration with local artists. This store will also offer a unique personalization service for select products, exclusive to this location.

    What does Lululemon’s new store aim to be?
    According to Stewart Tudor, President of Lululemon Japan, the store aims to be more than a retail outlet. It aspires to function as a community hub that connects people and ideas, fostering new inspiration and possibilities.

    Why did Lululemon choose Harajuku for its first Japanese store?
    Harajuku and Jingumae districts are known for their unique blend of history, culture, diverse creativity, and free self-expression. These qualities align with Lululemon’s core values of movement, connection, and community, making it an ideal location for their flagship store.

  • Esprit Makes a Fashionable Comeback: Unveils Revamped Collection in New Hong Kong Flagship Store

    Esprit Makes a Fashionable Comeback: Unveils Revamped Collection in New Hong Kong Flagship Store

    Esprit, a popular fashion brand listed in Hong Kong, has made a comeback in the city by opening a flagship store in Causeway Bay. This comes after the brand’s departure from its headquarters in 2020.

    New Beginnings in Causeway Bay

    Since November 1, Esprit’s new flagship store has been in operation at Fashion Walk in Causeway Bay. Covering 4400 square feet over two floors, the store signifies a new dawn for the brand. As it re-establishes its presence in Hong Kong, Esprit is focusing on bringing back its classic styles to its loyal customer base.

    The store’s opening has been enabled by WIP International, led by Esprit HK CEO Herbert Chan Wai-ming. WIP International has secured exclusive rights for the brand’s operations in the region. Chan has outlined a five-year plan to regain the brand’s momentum.

    Esprit’s Revival Strategy

    As the brand re-enters the somewhat sluggish retail scene in Hong Kong, Chan is driven by his goal to “create miracles for Hong Kong.”

    Esprit, which was founded by Susie and Doug Tompkins in 1968, got listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1993. The brand then experienced rapid expansion into over 40 countries. However, sales began to drop sharply and underwent massive restructuring. This, coupled with the Covid-19 crisis, led to the closure of its retail stores across Asian markets.

    The listed Esprit is now solely a brand owner, licensing its name to third parties. It has moved away from its initial business model, which included significant capital expenditures associated with sourcing, distribution, and retail operations.

    Chan’s current strategy involves “rebuilding Esprit as a Hong Kong brand” by bringing the brand’s own heritage back to the city streets. In addition, he has ambitions for a global relaunch, potentially in Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Mainland China. However, he is committed to taking this expansion slowly, prioritizing success in the home market first.

    Flagship Store and Revamped Collection

    The new flagship store also serves as the platform to introduce Esprit’s revamped collection. With an array of new fabrics and designs, 70 percent of the items have been personally designed by Chan. This revamp has resulted in a 30 percent price increase on some products.

    In his bid to reposition the brand, Chan has been willing to try new strategies that Esprit has not experimented with before.

    After closing its store five years ago, Esprit made a preliminary return to Causeway Bay in 2022 with a three-story pop-up store, marking the initial stage of its revival.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Esprit’s new strategy for its return to Hong Kong?
    Esprit aims to rebuild itself as a Hong Kong brand by reintroducing its classic styles and revamping its collection with new fabrics and designs.

    Who is leading the revival of Esprit in Hong Kong?
    Herbert Chan Wai-ming, Esprit HK’s CEO, is leading the brand’s revival in Hong Kong.

    What are the future expansion plans of Esprit?
    Esprit’s CEO has plans for a global relaunch, potentially in Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Mainland China, prioritizing success in the home market first.