Interview

Reflux of materials

A-GIRL’S / Masao Yamashita, President

‘Failure and success.’ A-Girl’s, with its business centering on cut and sewn products, has always taken on new endeavors. The company began shifting its focus on the international market in the middle of the 1980s, having been shaken by the products and presentations from other nations at a fabric convention in Europe. In order to acquire international know-how, the company looked to French leading manufacturers for collaboration, with Mr. Yamashita himself presentingthe company’s booth at joint exhibitions. ‘Although we’ve had failures, they were all invaluable experiences,’ says the CEO with a smile.

Export expanding on a scale worth several hundred million yen.
The company’s sales overseas has expanded to about 500 million yen. However, the scale of itssales isn’t of great importance. The vital concerns are the sales targets and the ability to maintain high-grade products. Business targets are high-end brands and boutiques. A separate division wholesales final products to brands like BARNEYS or Fred Segal. While it isn’t easy to ensure profit making, the company has been able to acquire precious know-how in sales. There are even plans to establish branch stores in Paris in the future.

Internationalization is the key.
In a time when domestic market (consumption) was large, there was no need for Japanese businesses to export. With consumptions dwindling, we face the inevitable need to export if Japanese apparels businesses are not placing orders any more. When doing so, there are a few important points to consider. First, it is vital to export such unique Japanese culture elements as the earnestness and definite response. In addition, it is possible for a reflux of products back into Japan when presenting products at shows like the Première Vision. With the reverse import into Japan via presentations at influential shows overseas, it can help establish (Japanese buyers’) recognition of the products. Through competing overseas, the company’s staff has also gained more motivation, with their business sense better refined by making business deals with representatives from Gucci or CHANEL.