According to the Japan Chain Stores Association (55 firms, 10,538 stores), sales of apparel during November 2019 fell 7.9% compared to the same month of 2018 to 70,928 million yen. The warm weather affected sales of outerwear. Apparel sales decreased across the board: women’s wear, 19,588 million yen (down 7.8%); men’s wear, 14,620 million yen (down 10.3%; and other garments, 36,721 million yen (down 6.8%). In women’s wear, sales were strong for formal wear, jackets and sweaters, while those of outerwear, cut and sewn articles and bottomwear were stagnant. In men’s wear, jackets, slacks and shirts showed some movements, but sales of sweaters, bottoms and outerwear were slow. Favorable items […]

Clariant is selling its entire Masterbatches business to PolyOne for US$1,560 million. This amount is payable at closing, which is expected by the third quarter of 2020. The deal with PolyOne comprises two separate transactions. The global Masterbatches business is sold in a deal valued at US$1,500 million. Separately, the sale of Clariant’s Masterbatches business in India has been approved by Clariant Chemicals (India) Limited’s Board of Directors, and is valued at INR 4,260 million or approx. US$60 million. In financial year 2018, the total Masterbatches business generated sales of around CHF 1,181 million.

According to the Japan Department Stores Association, same-store sales of apparel (including accessories) at member stores across Japan (76 firms, 208 stores) dropped 8.6% in November compared to the same month of last year to 144,631 million yen. The warm weather during the first half of the month affected sales of winter garments. As a result of a drop in temperature in the month’s second half, sales of coats and other heavy garments increased, but were unable to cover the sales decrease during the month’s first half. November apparel sales decreased across the board: women’s wear, 92,711 million yen (down 8.1%); men’s wear, 34,200 million yen (down 9.2%); and children’s […]