Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) reported the key apparel and textile markets in Japan.
A strong recovery in sales of men's wear in Tokyo during the July to September period has been largely attributed to the effect of the "Cool-Biz" campaign. The Government-led energy saving campaign brought with it an unexpectedly favourable impact on sales of men's clothing. Men's wear sales at department stores during the second quarter of 2005 posted the first year-on-year increase in more than eight years.
The positive results seen during September in Tokyo are estimated to lift sales country-wide during the third quarter of 2005 to around 1.8 percent year-on-year.
According to the latest Japanese Family Income and Expenditure Survey, average household expenditure on men's outerwear rose significantly during the three months ending in August (across all clothing retail stores). The largest increase in expenditure was recorded in men's suits.
Rises in spending on dress shirts (year-on-year), jackets and trousers highlight the impact of the "Cool-Biz" campaign, which has stimulated sales of all men's apparel purchases during the summer season, not only for short-sleeved shirts without ties.
Expenditure on women's outwear by contrast, remained subdued during the summer months and, according to the Japanese Family Income and Expenditure Survey, declined moderately compared with the same period the year earlier.
Although the effect of the "Warm Biz" campaign, the successor of the "Cool Biz" campaign, for the winter, has not yet been quantified, the market anticipates that demand for lightweight knitwear and warm underwear will be boosted.
Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) is a research and development organization that works with woolgrowers, researchers, processors and manufacturers. Company work through alliances and contracts and, where possible, commercialise R&D outcomes. The primary aim is the adoption of technology - on farm and along the global wool pipeline.
Australian Wool Innovation Limited
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