With challenging market conditions in 2020, following the closure of ASICS stores and the stores of wholesale partners due to COVID-19, ASICS EMEA recorded a consolidated net revenue decline of 7.3% versus the same period last year.
However, ASICS reported that profits increased by 60.3% year on year, largely due to operational efficiencies.
Digital acceleration
ASICS EMEA reported strong growth in e-commerce, with an increase of 134.2% year on year. As part of its digital acceleration plans, the company introduced new digital services to support more people find the right products online.
In addition, ASICS introduced its first virtual running relay event, the ASICS World Ekiden, which attracted a significant 56,000 participants.
In 2020, ASICS claimed its position as the number one running brand in Europe, according to NPD data. For the year, ASICS reportedly gained 3% points of market share in footwear in the ‘Made For and Used For’ running category above €90 in EU5 (UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) according to the latest NPD data.
ASICS also gained 2% points market share in footwear in the ‘Made For and Used For’ tennis category and 10% points in the ‘Made For and Used For’ Indoor category in EU5.
ASICS EMEA CEO Carsten Unbehaun said “2020 was undoubtedly a challenging year, but together with our partners and our community, we are emerging in a strong position and have real momentum as we head into 2021.
“With healthy inventory positions, our 2020 performance is a testament to our product innovation, digital acceleration, as well as our disciplined financial management.
“In 2021, we are returning to our roots and putting our founding purpose, Anima Sana in Corpore Sano, or A Sound Mind in a Sound Body, at the heart of our business. Our new brand platform ‘Sound Mind, Sound Body’ has never been more relevant and we will continue to support more people to enjoy the benefits of sport and movement, not just on the body, but on the mind.”
