A Japanese manufacturer of modern fashion products proud of its traditional craftsmanship seeks partners in Italy, France, and Germany for commercial agency and distribution agreements

CommercialJaponskoBOJP20200123001
Offers
Summary: 
A Japanese company that prides itself in its traditional silk weaving expertise is looking for partners in Italy, France and Germany. They produce modern fashion apparel crafted using traditional methods, and aim at high-end consumers looking for luxurious additions to their wardrobe. The Japanese company is interested in distribution services, commercial agency, and licensing agreements.
Description: 
This Japanese apparel fashion brand is aiming to enter the EU market by seeking partners in Italy, France, and Germany. Domestically they have established their own in-house product development, wholesale, and general sales channels. Their main products are neckties, phone cases, business card holders, folding fans, and jackets. All of these products are made with traditionally weaved silk fabric that has been approved by the Japanese government as designated traditional crafts. This textile finds its origin in Kyoto, a Japanese city famous for its traditional heritage. Furthermore, they also make shirts that do not require the traditional silk weaving methods. The entirety of the manufacturing process takes place in Japan. The company has its own design team that actively follows ongoing fashion trends. They use their expertise to combine quality, tradition, and style. The company wants to proactively work together with distributors in the target countries to establish its brand image of high quality items aimed at high-end consumers. Currently, approximately 60% of their global customers are women who purchase the companies’ products as gifts. The average age group is around 30 to 60 years old. Therefore, the company targets a niche market. The Japanese company combines artistry with textile expertise in order to give each of their products an individual personality. They use traditional designs and materials to produce modern and sporty products. Currently, their products are well distributed online in Japan and also sold through select retail stores overseas in Singapore, New York, and Paris, among others. The company has had distribution agreements for their product with partners in Thailand, America and Singapore since 2017. After their debut at the Tokyo Fashion Week in 2017, the company has regularly showcased its apparel at renowned fashion shows in both Tokyo and New York during the Fashion Week there. They are looking for partnerships in the targeted countries in the form of distribution services and commercial agency agreements, but are also willing to consider a license agreement covering the design of some of their clothes. The company is ready to support potential partners with branding in the target countries and are able to send samples and English catalogues. They are also available for further assistance where necessary.
Type (e.g. company, R&D institution…), field of industry and Role of Partner Sought: 
The Japanese company is looking for partners such as distributors and agents who already have networks in the fashion and clothing sector within Italy, France and Germany. Particularly connections with retail outlets such as luxury department stores, museum gift shops, and apparel and accessories boutiques specialised in high-end products are appreciated. The Japanese company is hoping to establish a long-term distribution agreement. The products manufactured by the company that do not require silk weaving expertise can also be licensed out to potential partners. This partner would receive the designs and take care of the local manufacturing and sales of the products.
External code: 
BOJP20200123001