Coach to Open Flagship Stores in Japan

Source : Footwear news

NEW YORK (July 1, 2004) - (Reuters) - Coach Inc. on Wednesday said it plans to open at least three flagship stores in Japan in the next six months, citing the brand's growing popularity among Japanese consumers.

New-York-based Coach, a designer and retailer of high-end fashion accessories, said three new flagship stores expected to open outside Tokyo in Osaka, Sapporo and Sendai by December.

Flagship stores are much larger than regular retail shops and carry the entire product line. Their launches tend to draw press coverage and raise awareness of the brand.

Coach, whose products include handbags, luggage, shoes and small leather goods, said its same-store sales in the quarter ended March 27 jumped by a double-digit percentage in Japan, a cornerstone of the company's growth.

In April Coach opened its third flagship store in Tokyo