Several U.S.-based retailers are struggling in key markets such as North America and Europe due to a rough economic environment which is leading to poor store traffic. This has resulted in several retailers turning focus towards Asian markets which have exhibited strong growth over the last few years. One retailer that has shifted its focus to Asia from the struggling markets of Europe and North America is Guess?, Inc. (NYSE:GES).
Guess?, Inc. (NYSE:GES) Asian business has reported 25% growth during the past five years, predominantly due to its staggering success in China where the market for western apparel has grown exponentially. The rapidly increasing disposable income and urbanization in such markets is expected to drive demand for western apparel.
Other apparel retailers such as The Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) and Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) have exhibited similar interest in the Asian markets, which leads me to believe that future organic growth for apparel retailers may come from the Asia-Pacific region.
Asian markets that are expected to fuel growth
From 2011 to 2020, India is expected to be the fastest growing economy in the world with a CAGR of around 9.8%. The increasing middle class, coupled with better educational infrastructure and large foreign direct investment, is driving its economic growth.
It should be noted that, particularly in the urban regions of India, a large volume of demand for western apparel comes from the younger segment. This particular segment has a higher inclination towards foreign brands, primarily due to growing urbanization and increasing influence of the western culture. This makes India a highly lucrative market for Guess?, Inc. (NYSE:GES), and several other North American retailers that are struggling to report any organic growth.
Other than India, China also offers a massive growth potential for North American retailers. It should not be forgotten that during the financial crisis of 2008-2009, when developed and established economies such as the U.S. and Europe were struggling to even control the recessionary environment, China was still reporting consistent growth in its GDP. The disposable income in China has consistently risen in the last decade, primarily due to an increase in labor wages and urbanization.
By the end of last year, approximately 53% of Chinese population was living in urban cities, which is considerably lesser relative to Japan or the U.S. This leads me to believe that there is a huge underlying upside in China, where growing urbanization would result in higher demand for western clothing.
The Chinese apparel market stood at around $110 billion during 2009, however, it is expected to escalate at a rapid rate and by the end of 2014, the market size will reach an estimated $200 billion. This presents a massive opportunity for North American retailers, especially Guess?, Inc. (NYSE:GES), which has already experienced superior revenue growth from China compared to the U.S. During 2013, Guess? plans to launch 50 new stores in China and only 17 in North America.
During the previous fiscal year, Guess?, Inc. (NYSE:GES) generated the highest percentage of its revenue through its retailing operations spread across North America at around 42%, which was followed by sales from the European region at around 37%. In stark contrast, the Asian region only added 10% to its overall net revenue, however, after considering the estimated growth in the apparel market coupled with Guess’? initiative to expand in Asia, I believe the revenue share from this region is primed to grow exponentially in the coming years.
Competition following a similar path
Other apparel retailers such as The Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) are also targeting international markets in order to spur overall organic growth. Gap, in particular, is set to scale up its expansion in markets such as China, Japan, and Brazil. China has become the second-largest apparel market after the U.S., owing to growing urbanization and increasing discretionary spending.
During the previous year, The Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) launched 30 new stores in China and plans to add another 30 by the end of this year. A more stable economic environment and lack of high quality competition has enabled the American retailer into reporting higher revenue per square foot from this region relative to its North American stores.
Additionally, the changing trends in Japan (inclination towards economical clothing) have influenced The Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) in expanding its Old Navy stores, which is positioned at the lower end of the market, offering high value for money. Moreover, internet retailing in Japan has escalated in recent times, which resulted in Gap launching its first e-commerce site solely dedicated to the Japanese consumer during 2011.
Other than apparel retailers, retail chains such as Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) have exhibited strong interest in international expansion, especially in the Asian Markets.
During the past four years, Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST)’s revenue from international markets grew 15%; in comparison, its revenue in the U.S. market only grew 4%. During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the company reported a large volume of sign-ups from Australia and other Asian markets. It further reported that in the past, it has recorded 20,000 to 60,000 sign-ups on the first day of a new store launch, therefore, the company will continue to expand its operations. Earlier this year, Costco announced that by the end of fiscal 2013, it plans to open six new stores across Asia.
Going forward, Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) is expected to launch fourteen new stores this year, out of which only four are targeted at the U.S. market. This clearly exhibits that even a value retailer such as Costco is heading towards revenue diversification by expanding in the Asian market, as generating strong organic growth through the U.S. market is getting seemingly difficult.
Takeaway
I believe that U.S. apparel retailers such as The Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) and Guess?, Inc. (NYSE:GES) will benefit from changing consumer preferences in Japan and increasing disposable income of the Indian and Chinese consumers.
At present, U.S. apparel retailers that are struggling to report profits must consider Asia as a future revenue driver and slow down expansion in North America. Increasing urbanization and robust economic growth across Asia offers a huge upside on their potential investment contrary to the saturated North American market.
The article Will Asia Be the Key Driver Behind These Retailers’ Success? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Ashit Gulati.
Ashit Gulati and Equity Dimensions have no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Costco Wholesale and Guess?. The Motley Fool owns shares of Costco Wholesale and Guess? Ashit is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
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