Asics Europe Announces 13% Growth

Asics Europe has announced double digit sales figures and accelerated growth across the EMEA region, after revealing an overall increase of 13% in net sales between January and March.

According to Asics, the first quarter increase was largely driven by strong growth across the brand’s running, tennis and lifestyle categories.

Running footwear sales increased by 16%, while in running apparel, there has been a 10% growth for men and 16% for women.

In tennis, Asics’ main sports category behind running, the brand achieved 56% growth in apparel and 22% in footwear.

From a retail perspective, sales in Asics’ own flagship stores and retail outlets increased by 27%.

During the 1st quarter of 2015, Asics reached its highest ever brand awareness level, thanks largely to its global advertising campaign – ‘It’s a big world. Go run it’.

This month, Asics built on the campaign, launching a tennis-specific iteration – ‘It’s a tough game. Go smash it.’ – featuring global brand ambassador Gaël Monfils.

Ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Asics will be launching new rugby apparel and footwear innovations in partnership with the ‘Springboks’ and ‘Wallabies’ – for whom the brand are kit sponsors.

Alistair Cameron, CEO of Asics Europe B.V. commented: “We’re extremely pleased with our continued strong performance in the EMEA region. 2015 is a key year for ASICS and we have ambitious growth targets across a variety of sports on the performance side of our business as well as in the lifestyle area of the brand.

“These results put us in a strong position to drive momentum through the rest of an exciting 2015. Our brand awareness levels are at their highest they’ve ever been and Asics has further cemented its position as 3rd ‘most desired brand in Europe’. We are heading into the second half of the year with the strongest order book for many years.

“With a number of much anticipated products launching in running, tennis, lifestyle footwear and rugby over the coming months, we will continue to offer our consumers the most innovative products in the market.”