Asics: 2015 sales in Europe, Middle East and Africa rise 16%

By

Olivier Guyot

Published
Mar 2, 2016

Tennis and running have driven Asics' 2015 sporting year. While the Japanese group reported its worldwide results over a nine-months period, its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region highlighted its sales growth in January-December 2015, compared to 2014.

In the region, Asics recorded a 16% rise in sales in 2015, after growing 13% in 2014. The sales figure was not disclosed. "With the 16% rise in sales recorded over the last 12 months, we have now more than doubled our revenue in the last five years, explained Alistair Cameron, Asics' EMEA CEO. In 2016 we will try to consolidate this expansion, thanks notably to our strengthened presence in the training and youth markets, which are currently in full flight in the EMEA region. "

Asics stated it produced a triple-digit growth in South Africa, and a double-digit one in France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Spain, Poland, Russia and Benelux. It recorded a 17% rise in running shoes sales. "With a 19% sales increase in the women's running shoes segment, the sport outfitter achieved the top growth result of the year among all brands, in terms of women's running practitioners," explained Asics in its press release.

The brand also enjoyed a growth of 26% and 12% respectively in tennis shoes and tennis apparel sales. The sport outfitter's rugby product sales were also driven by the Rugby World Cup 2015, and are expected to be in the triple-digit range. Indeed Asics invested heavily in this sport, becoming technical partner to the national teams of Japan, South Africa and Australia.

The last segment showing strong growth was that of lifestyle products. Asics explained how, thanks to the relaunch of Tiger in early 2015, its sales in the segment showed triple-digit growth.