Jaeger To Build In Japanese Market

Jaeger has signed a GBP10 million retail and wholesale deal to develop the brand in Japan and hopes to follow up with similar agreements in other countries.

The classic British brand will be developed using a two-pronged strategy by Sanki Shoji, which has a turnover of more than GBP577 million and specializes in the import and distribution of European labels. It has been granted exclusive wholesale rights for Jaeger and has committed GBP4m in the first year for standalone store openings. A Tokyo flagship is planned as are stores in other major cities over the course of the five-year deal.

Jaeger owner Harold Tillman said Sanki Shoji has sold Jaeger for 30 years and feels it has the potential to build on the strength of British brands in Japan.

Tillman bought Jaeger in March 2003 and said it has achieved double-digit sales growth in the second half of this year. The company has 52 stores in the UK.