ASICS has reported positive results in key strategic areas for the first three quarters of 2018 after a slow start to the year.
Results show that although consolidated net sales in EMEA for the first nine months of 2018 declined by four per cent (-2.7% currency neutral) the impact of an ambitious business transformation by ASICS continues to develop the business in key strategic areas; ASICS brand stores reported 11 per cent growth, ASICS e-commerce a sales uplift of 85 per cent and increases in emerging markets through South-Africa (two per cent), Russia (17 per cent) and the Middle East (131 per cent).
Across ASICS’ core product categories, Running footwear remained stable, Tennis footwear increased 2.4 per cent and Onitsuka Tiger footwear (ASICS’ heritage lifestyle fashion brand) recorded standout results of 28 per cent.
In the third quarter, ASICS continued to deliver a number of brand and business initiatives to drive growth across key performance and lifestyle categories:
In Running, ASICS launched its innovative FlyteFoam Lyte and FlyteFoam Propel midsole material in two core running shoe models; the DYNAFLYTE 3 and ROADHAWK FF 2. The two new shoe models followed the successful Q2 launch of the flagship GEL-KAYANO 25 shoe.
In Tennis, ASICS gained significant exposure from its partnership with Novak Djokovic, who won the 2018 men’s singles at Wimbledon and the US Open wearing GEL-RESOLUTION NOVAK shoes.
In Lifestyle, ASICS re-released the iconic GEL-KAYANO 5 OG model from 1999, after it appeared on the catwalk at this year’s Paris Fashion Week.
In the emerging markets, ASICS opened its first brand store in the Middle East at The Avenues Mall in Kuwait and extended its contract as official supplier for the South African Rugby Union until 2024.
Alistair Cameron, CEO of ASICS EMEA, said: “We have radically transformed our business to drive future growth by building closer consumer connections, prioritising strategic business initiatives and becoming more responsive in a rapidly changing world. We are encouraged by the growth in key strategic areas and with our strategic partners after a tough start to the year. We are confident that our new focus will continue to deliver results.”
