Expert on Japan Retail and Consumer Markets, JapanConsuming

Michael Causton

Expert on Japan Retail and Consumer Markets

Real Insight on Japanese Consumer Markets

JapanConsuming

JapanConsuming is a specialist research firm producing intelligence on Japanese retail and consumer markets. Founded in 2000, JapanConsuming has become the leading provider of insights on Japanese retailers and consumer trends to retailers, brands, government agencies and investors. As well as a highly regarded monthly report on the market, JapanConsuming produces in-depth reports on retail sectors, seminars on key trends and telephone consulting to investors on trends and retailers.

JapanConsuming was founded by Michael Causton and Roy Larke. 

Equity Bottom-Up

Muji’s US bankruptcy and poor trading in Europe, along with weaker sales at home, led to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ryohin-keikaku-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2765:1" rel="noopener">Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP)</a>’s first revenue decline in a decade and the first loss in 19 years. Growth in Asia and the promise of significant growth in the food category – an idea we are very bullish about – suggest hope for a rebound next year.

Muji’s US bankruptcy and poor trading in Europe, along with weaker sales at home, led to Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP)’s first revenue decline in a decade and the first loss in 19 years. Growth in Asia and the promise of significant growth in the food category – an idea we are very bullish about – suggest hope for a rebound next year.

The convenience store sector (CVS) is Japan’s most successful retail format and one that has now enjoyed almost 50 years of growth. So the sudden and unprecedented sales declines in 2020, caused by so many people staying away from city centres during the pandemic, are an entirely new test for the sector.Temporary blips aside, this leading position is likely to endure a little longer. Even with e-commerce growing faster and likely to over take CVS as the biggest channel by 2025, CVS will take on a prominent role in the fulfilment model used by many e-commerce companies.In the CVS sector itself, Familymart's delisting and new role spearheading Itochu's retail interests will cause ructions in a sector that has reached saturation and where increased competition will force more change and differentiation.The following is an in-depth review of the state of play in Japan's convenience store sector following the absorption of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/familymart-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:320:1" rel="noopener">FamilyMart Co Ltd (8028 JP)</a> by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/itochu-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:18448:1" rel="noopener">Itochu Corp (8001 JP)</a>. The review includes:<ul>
<li>Full rankings of all convenience stores including sales, stores, market share, key metrics like sales per store per day etc.</li>
<li>Analysis of the current and future prospects of the big three and the outlook for the smaller players – as much targets for the big three than anything else.</li>
<li>Details on e-commerce initiatives (or the lack of them), store coverage, diversification strategies etc.</li>
<li>Updates on the pressure points of the labour shortage and franchisee rebellions.</li>
</ul>This insight provides a complete review of the sector and a clear picture of where convenience stores are headed in the next three years.

The convenience store sector (CVS) is Japan’s most successful retail format and one that has now enjoyed almost 50 years of growth. So the sudden and unprecedented sales declines in 2020, caused by so many people staying away from city centres during the pandemic, are an entirely new test for the sector.Temporary blips aside, this leading position is likely to endure a little longer. Even with e-commerce growing faster and likely to over take CVS as the biggest channel by 2025, CVS will take on a prominent role in the fulfilment model used by many e-commerce companies.In the CVS sector itself, Familymart's delisting and new role spearheading Itochu's retail interests will cause ructions in a sector that has reached saturation and where increased competition will force more change and differentiation.The following is an in-depth review of the state of play in Japan's convenience store sector following the absorption of FamilyMart Co Ltd (8028 JP) by Itochu Corp (8001 JP). The review includes:
Full rankings of all convenience stores including sales, stores, market share, key metrics like sales per store per day etc.
Analysis of the current and future prospects of the big three and the outlook for the smaller players – as much targets for the big three than anything else.
Details on e-commerce initiatives (or the lack of them), store coverage, diversification strategies etc.
Updates on the pressure points of the labour shortage and franchisee rebellions.
This insight provides a complete review of the sector and a clear picture of where convenience stores are headed in the next three years.

Convenience Stores: Diversification and a Fight for Share as Familymart Delists

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

Mitsubishi Shoji Fashion, part of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/mitsubishi-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20668:1" rel="noopener">Mitsubishi Corp (8058 JP),</a> is one of the biggest “OEM” fashion manufacturers in Japan and backer of many of Japan’s top retailers like <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/fast-retailing-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:751:1" rel="noopener">Fast Retailing (9983 JP)</a> from their earliest days through years of unprecedented growth.The venerable supplier has now decided to become a retailer itself – with a difference.It has just launched a clothing chain where the shops are entirely stocked with samples and all orders are made online, a format that is likely to become pervasive in Japan.If so, there will be a dramatic impact on operating margins for retailers as showrooming stores like this can operate in much smaller spaces with far fewer staff.

Mitsubishi Shoji Fashion, part of Mitsubishi Corp (8058 JP), is one of the biggest “OEM” fashion manufacturers in Japan and backer of many of Japan’s top retailers like Fast Retailing (9983 JP) from their earliest days through years of unprecedented growth.The venerable supplier has now decided to become a retailer itself – with a difference.It has just launched a clothing chain where the shops are entirely stocked with samples and all orders are made online, a format that is likely to become pervasive in Japan.If so, there will be a dramatic impact on operating margins for retailers as showrooming stores like this can operate in much smaller spaces with far fewer staff.

Mitsubishi, Backer of Uniqlo and Adastria, Launches Own Chain

Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Equity Analyst

Long-Short Analysis on Japan, Asia and the World

LightStream Research

LightStream conducts quantitatively rigorous and data-driven analysis with a focus on Japan and Asia.

We consistently cover the Tech, Consumer and Industrial sectors, and provide ECM and Events coverage more broadly.

We supplement traditional qualitative insights from company relationships with a robust quantitative foundation that examines as much historical data as is available.
We further refine the accuracy of our insights and calls through the use of alternative data to flesh out current trends, and through a valuation framework that emphasises non-superficial peer group selection and a proper attempt to understand the metrics and changes that have driven security valuations in the past.

Equity Capital Markets

The Chinese variety retailer, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/miniso-group-holdings" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29673:1" rel="noopener">MINISO Group Holdings (MNSO US)</a> raised $608 million in a U.S. initial public offering on 15th October 2020. The company sold 30.4m ADS at $20.00 apiece after marketing them at $16.50 - $18.50 per ADS.Miniso opened trading at $24.40 per ADS, up 22% from the IPO price and closed the first trading day at $20.88 per ADS. Miniso shares rallied again on Friday and closed the week at $23.18 per ADS.Previously we discussed the company, its business model and financials in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/miniso-ipo-long-term-growth-prospects-secured-by-a-sustainable-competitive-advantage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MINISO IPO: Long Term Growth Prospects Secured By a Sustainable Competitive Advantage</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/miniso-ipo-as-appealing-as-miniso-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MINISO IPO: As Appealing As MINISO Products</a>, about valuation in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/miniso-valuation-valued-like-miniso-merchandise-bang-for-the-buck" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MINISO Valuation: Valued Like MINISO Merchandise - Bang for the Buck</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/miniso-deserves-more-than-the-ipo-valuation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MINISO Deserves More Than The IPO Valuation</a>.

The Chinese variety retailer, MINISO Group Holdings (MNSO US) raised $608 million in a U.S. initial public offering on 15th October 2020. The company sold 30.4m ADS at $20.00 apiece after marketing them at $16.50 - $18.50 per ADS.Miniso opened trading at $24.40 per ADS, up 22% from the IPO price and closed the first trading day at $20.88 per ADS. Miniso shares rallied again on Friday and closed the week at $23.18 per ADS.Previously we discussed the company, its business model and financials in MINISO IPO: Long Term Growth Prospects Secured By a Sustainable Competitive Advantage and MINISO IPO: As Appealing As MINISO Products, about valuation in MINISO Valuation: Valued Like MINISO Merchandise - Bang for the Buck and MINISO Deserves More Than The IPO Valuation.

MINISO IPO Trading Update: More Upside Left, But Wait For Better Pricing Or Momentum

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/miniso-group-holdings" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29673:1" rel="noopener">MINISO Group Holdings (MNSO US)</a> is the leading variety retailer of lifestyle products globally with an aggregate GMV of RMB 19.0 billion (US$2.7 billion) and revenue of RMB 9.0 billion (US$1.3 billion).
Last week, the company filed an updated prospectus with the SEC announcing the price range for the NYSE IPO. The price range was set at $16.50-$18.50 per ADS, which translates to $4.125-$4.625 per share.
MINISO plans to raise $502m-$562m via issuing 16.5m new ADS (122m-140m new shares). An overallotment option, if exercised, could increase the IPO by $75m-$84m (4.6m new ADS).
Previously, we discussed MINISO's business model and financials in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/miniso-ipo-long-term-growth-prospects-secured-by-a-sustainable-competitive-advantage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MINISO IPO: Long Term Growth Prospects Secured By a Sustainable Competitive Advantage</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/miniso-ipo-as-appealing-as-miniso-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MINISO IPO: As Appealing As MINISO Products</a>.
This insight will focus on valuation and assess if it is worthwhile subscribing to the IPO.

MINISO Group Holdings (MNSO US) is the leading variety retailer of lifestyle products globally with an aggregate GMV of RMB 19.0 billion (US$2.7 billion) and revenue of RMB 9.0 billion (US$1.3 billion).
Last week, the company filed an updated prospectus with the SEC announcing the price range for the NYSE IPO. The price range was set at $16.50-$18.50 per ADS, which translates to $4.125-$4.625 per share.
MINISO plans to raise $502m-$562m via issuing 16.5m new ADS (122m-140m new shares). An overallotment option, if exercised, could increase the IPO by $75m-$84m (4.6m new ADS).
Previously, we discussed MINISO's business model and financials in MINISO IPO: Long Term Growth Prospects Secured By a Sustainable Competitive Advantage and MINISO IPO: As Appealing As MINISO Products.
This insight will focus on valuation and assess if it is worthwhile subscribing to the IPO.

MINISO Valuation: Valued Like MINISO Merchandise - Bang for the Buck

Japan

RYOHIN KEIKAKU CO., LTD. is a retailer and wholesaler of Mujirushi Ryohin brand products, which were originally a generic private-brand product.  The Company's product line includes knitwear, food, and household items

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Ryohin Keikaku (7453 JP)

Muji Leaks Red After Tough Summer

Ryohin Keikaku (Muji) had a tough six months from March but its plans to grow food sales from around 6% to 30% of sales along with expansion in...

Michael Causton

Mitsubishi, Backer of Uniqlo and Adastria, Launches Own Chain

Showrooming stores offer fashion retailers the chance to slash store sizes and staff numbers while making their shops relevant again – Mitsubishi,...

Michael Causton

MINISO IPO Trading Update: More Upside Left, But Wait For Better Pricing Or Momentum

Miniso raised $608 million in a U.S. initial public offering on 15th October 2020. The company sold 30.4m ADS at $20.00 apiece after marketing them...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

MINISO Valuation: Valued Like MINISO Merchandise - Bang for the Buck

MINISO Group Holdings is the leading variety retailer of lifestyle products globally with an aggregate GMV of RMB 19.0 billion (US$2.7 billion) and...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Muji Leaks Red After Tough Summer

Ryohin Keikaku (Muji) had a tough six months from March but its plans to grow food sales from around 6% to 30% of sales along with expansion in...

Michael Causton

Convenience Stores: Diversification and a Fight for Share as Familymart Delists

If you are looking for a full in-depth review and analysis of Japan's convenience stores sector and how things will shape up now that Familymart is...

Michael Causton

Mitsubishi, Backer of Uniqlo and Adastria, Launches Own Chain

Showrooming stores offer fashion retailers the chance to slash store sizes and staff numbers while making their shops relevant again – Mitsubishi,...

Michael Causton

MINISO IPO Trading Update: More Upside Left, But Wait For Better Pricing Or Momentum

Miniso raised $608 million in a U.S. initial public offering on 15th October 2020. The company sold 30.4m ADS at $20.00 apiece after marketing them...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri

MINISO Valuation: Valued Like MINISO Merchandise - Bang for the Buck

MINISO Group Holdings is the leading variety retailer of lifestyle products globally with an aggregate GMV of RMB 19.0 billion (US$2.7 billion) and...

Oshadhi Kumarasiri