Editor’s Note
This report highlights a persistent challenge for Japan’s major department stores in July 2025. While domestic demand for seasonal items provided some support, overall sales remained below the previous year’s figures, underscoring a complex recovery path despite a rebound in inbound tourism.
A report on the July 2025 same-store sales of six major domestic department stores (Mitsukoshi Isetan, Takashimaya, Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores, Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores, Matsuya, Kintetsu Department Store).
Although an improving trend was seen from the latter half of the month, sales for the month continued to fall below the previous year’s levels for all companies due to the reaction to the significant growth in tax-free sales driven by last year’s inbound tourism boom. On the other hand, the early end of the rainy season and intense heat led to strong sales of summer clothing and miscellaneous goods among domestic customers.
Italy’s antitrust authority, the Competition and Market Guarantee Authority (AGCM), has imposed a fine of 3.5 million euros (approximately 595 million yen) on Giorgio Armani S.p.A. and its subsidiary G.A. Operations S.p.A.
The AGCM pointed out a discrepancy between the Armani Group’s high-profile promotion of its “commitment to ethical and social responsibility” and the actual working conditions. According to Reuters, Armani is disappointed with the decision and is expected to appeal.
Gunze has announced the closure of some of its innerwear factories. Concurrently, the “Apparel Company” division, which consolidates planning and sales departments across apparel businesses, is also recruiting for voluntary retirement.
This decision is part of the structural reform of the apparel business outlined in the mid-term management plan announced in May this year. The company judged that consolidating and reorganizing production and logistics bases, along with optimizing personnel through voluntary retirement, is essential for the sustainable strengthening of the business.
Chinese budget cross-border e-commerce platform “Shein” has been fined 1 million euros (approximately 160 million yen) by the Italian Competition and Market Guarantee Authority (AGCM) for running deceptive advertisements feigning environmental consideration.
The AGCM pointed out that the advertising expressions regarding environmental consideration on the site were “vague and generic, or excessively emphasized and misleading.” It stated that claims regarding the design of a circular system and product recyclability could be false.
Major domestic apparel-related companies have announced their July 2025 same-store sales. The month saw the highest average temperature on record for July since the Japan Meteorological Agency began statistics, including a record-breaking 41.2°C observed in Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture on July 30th. Strong sales of summer items led to revenue growth for many companies, including Fast Retailing’s domestic UNIQLO business, Ryohin Keikaku, United Arrows, and Workman.
World Co., Ltd. will open the first Taiwanese store of its used select shop “RAGTAG” in the mixed-use commercial facility “Breeze Nanshan” in Taipei City. The opening is scheduled for November.
The new store will leverage the characteristics of Taipei’s Xinyi District, home to a high-sensitivity affluent population, by strengthening its lineup of luxury and imported brands. Based on the influence and customer base of Breeze Nanshan, it aims to establish a position in Taiwan’s developing reuse market.
Bulgari, in partnership with TADS (Tarì Design School), will open a jewelry school, “Scuola Bulgari,” in September within “Manifattura Bulgari,” its largest jewelry manufacturing base located in Valenza, Italy.
Bulgari is broadly engaged in talent development and technical传承, and the school is established as a strategic pillar of this effort. Aiming to provide an opportunity to enter jewelry making, it will offer specialized programs focused on Bulgari’s unique craftsmanship techniques.
Based in Montreal, Canada, “Jound.” Founder and Creative Director Justin R. Saunders creates minimal and timeless products. Simple and classic design, subdued color tones, high-quality materials – products combining these elements exude a quiet yet strong presence. From the story behind the collaboration with ASICS, we heard about his design philosophy and thoughts on the brand.