Mizuno USA, Inc. posted another record setting year in sales revenue and profit, recording a 16% increase over previous years sales. A company release indicated Mizuno USA had more than doubled revenue since 1999, with 2005 representing the sixth consecutive year of revenue and earnings growth for the company. In addition, Mizuno USA also said it had “experienced record achievements in market share and brand awareness & vitality, while driving improvements in operational efficiencies, inventory control, product availability, service levels, and operating cash flow.”
“Were very proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the last several years,” said Bob Puccini, president of Mizuno USA, Inc., and chairman of Mizuno Canada, Ltd. “Through the success of each of our three divisions, golf, diamond, and athletic, Mizuno USA has been able to achieve record market share levels in key categories, even in flat to declining markets. This success is a direct result of Mizunos disciplined, brand-centric strategy, which includes our obsession for developing superior performing equipment for passionate athletes of all skill levels and a passionate culture based on genuine pride in our brand platform. In addition to increased spending on the consumer side of the equation, we have also made significant investments in our infrastructure, rounding out a comprehensive and competitively superior brand value proposition.”
Golf Division sales revenue in the U.S. in 2005 was up 17% from 2004, and as of the latest reporting period, Mizuno had reached an all-time record market share level in irons, the heart of the Mizuno golf business. This is the third consecutive year of double-digit growth in a flat, or near to flat market. As an indication of Mizuno Corporations desire to place greater emphasis on U.S. driven tastes, Mizuno debuted a state of the art Testing, Research and Design Center at the esteemed Country Club of the South, in Alpharetta, Georgia, in 2005.
Mizuno USAs Athletic Division continues to make huge strides, especially in the running specialty market, posting an impressive 21% increase in revenue from 2004 to 2005, the seventh consecutive year of 20%+ growth for the division. In fact, from end of year 1999 to end of year 2005, the Mizuno USA Running Division has increased revenue by a whopping 540%. Mizuno increased market share within running specialty by 29% from 2004 through November 2005, posting a share of 10.2%, according to Running Specialty Retail Audit conducted by Sports Research Sponsorship, a joint venture between SGMA and Sports Marketing Surveys.
Building on Mizunos strong volleyball heritage around the world, volleyball sales within the Athletic Division of Mizuno USA more than tripled from 1999 to 2005. This growth can be partly attributed to Mizuno USAs successful partnership with, and sponsorship of USA Volleyball, supporting top NCAA programs such as Duke University, Georgia Tech, American University, Long Beach State, and the University of Maryland. Mizuno USA also sponsors National qualifiers and local club tournaments across the country.
The Mizuno Diamond Division, driven by strong sales, experienced a successful 2005, increasing revenue for the sixth consecutive year, up 10% from 2004 to 2005. Cleated footwear experienced an impressive 26% gain over 2004, apparel was up 31% over 2004, and Mizuno achieved the #1 position in market share for ball gloves in served markets.
In conjunction with stepped up consumer efforts, in the form of expanded advertising, in-store presence, and grassroots promotions, Mizuno said it will continue its multi-year investment in its infrastructure to further improve its service to its customer base across all divisions. Expanding Mizuno Direct Connect, an on-line, real-time order information tool exclusively designed for Premier Mizuno customers, Mizuno hopes to deliver convenient, helpful, and easy to use customer service offerings to its customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mizuno Direct Connect allows customers to view Mizunos catalog online, check inventory availability, confirm pricing, place orders, track shipments, and review invoices and statements on-line.
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest general sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes baseball, golf, softball, running, track & field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.
