The Leading Fashion Newspaper in Japan.Senken Shimbun

The results of Japan's major listed apparel companies in fiscal 2008 are looking to be more severe than ever. Of nine companies that have recently published their fourth quarter consolidated financial statements, seven companies, excluding only Crossplus and Tokyo Style, posted decreases in revenue, 5 companies showed a loss in core business profits and 3 companies were in the red.
In particular, companies for which a high percentage of their business is with department stores are struggling across the board. The downturn is experienced in women's wear for relatively high age group in particular; Renoun and Look, who are big in this field, are facing a sales deficit. Onward Holdings, are also struggling in their core international business, and posted a net income deficit in the third quarter.