Asics records profitable growth across all categories in Q2

Japanese footwear giant, Asics, has reported profitable growth across all categories - including running, tennis, indoor and SportStyle - for the second quarter of 2023, ending June.

The company, renowned for its 'dad shoes', reported a consolidated net revenue increase of 12.1% across all distribution channels year to date ending June 2023 versus the same period last year.

Net sales were up by 28.9% to £1.58 billion (¥290 billion), up from £1.23 billion (¥225 billion) the year prior, and the operating income margin was up by 10.4% year-on-year.

Wholesale channels reported year-on-year growth of 11.3%, with significant increases in Iberia (31.2%), Benelux (26.3%), Germany (23.6%), UK (22.4%) and Sweden (15.8%).

It also reported year-on-year growth in e-commerce, with revenues increased by 32.9%.

Chief Executive Officer at Asics, Carsten Unbehaun, commented: “This has been another solid quarter for ASICS in EMEA as we continue to see demand for our brand across all categories. While market circumstances remain challenging, I would like to thank our wholesale partners for their continued support.”

The second quarter results followed on from a strong first quarter, which saw net sales reach £891 million (¥152.2 billion), the highest-ever first quarter for the company, up by 44.6% compared to the year prior and by 35% currency-neutral. Operating income also broke records, reaching £129 million (¥22.1 billion), up by 15%.

Earlier this year, Asics's trainers underwent an update, courtesy of Danish womenswear designer Cecilie Bahnsen. The limited-edition collection launched exclusively at Dover Street Market in London.

Following last year’s successful up-cycled collections with the designer, the new collaboration consists of just 150 pairs of Asics ‘GEL-NYC’ trainers, which have been hand embellished with beads in Cecilie Bahnsen’s Copenhagen atelier.