ASICS Corporation will open its first-ever running specialty store worldwide on February 11, offering a full line of running footwear, apparel and accessories for beginners to performance runners.
ASICS Store Tokyo will open exactly a week before Tokyo Marathon 2007, the first-ever mass marathon in Japan where more than 30,000 runners including the worlds elite will compete. ASICS is an official sponsor of the race.
The store, which targets 150 million yen sales in the first year, will be equipped with a three-dimensional foot measurement system for precise shoe fitting and treadmills to check individual running forms. A locker room with showers is available for customers.
The 280 square meter store is located in Tokyos Ginza district, said to be the biggest shopping area in Japan. The location is close to the Imperial Palace, where many people go for a run during lunch or after work.
“ASICS is a premier brand among runners. Running is becoming increasingly popular here in Japan because many people are recognizing running as a lifestyle,” Kiyomi Wada, ASICS Corporation president, said. “Through this store, we can talk to runners and find out more about their values of running and that is very important in marketing running-related products.”
ASICS plans to organize a running club for customers to the new store with services such as running clinics and organized group runs. Kiyomi Wada adds: “By offering our highest quality products, excellent service, and running expertise, ASICS Store Tokyo will be a key marketing opportunity for our running business”.
