Group 1 - Uniqlo has changed its return policy, effective May 1, allowing returns for in-store pickup and express delivery orders only at the original store, while other online orders must be returned to a designated online address [1][3] - Other fast fashion brands like ZARA and H&M have implemented similar return policy changes, indicating a trend among fashion retailers to tighten return policies amid increasing competition in the Chinese market [3][6] - High return rates are eroding profits for major fast fashion companies, with some women's clothing brands experiencing return rates exceeding 50%, highlighting a significant challenge in the industry [5][6] Group 2 - Fast fashion giants, including Uniqlo, are facing performance challenges in the Chinese market, with Uniqlo's revenue in the Greater China region declining by approximately 3% to 361.7 billion yen, and profits down about 9% [6][7] - ZARA's parent company Inditex reported a 7.5% revenue increase to 38.6 billion euros, but the share of revenue from Asia and other regions continues to decline, indicating a shift in market dynamics [7] - H&M is also experiencing difficulties, with a 5% decline in sales in the Asia-Pacific region, leading to accelerated store closures [7][8] Group 3 - Uniqlo is shifting its strategy by slowing down new store openings and focusing on larger flagship stores to enhance customer experience, while also introducing semi-customized services to differentiate itself [8][9] - The fast fashion industry is witnessing intensified price competition, prompting companies to explore new strategies to maintain consumer interest and profitability [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - Uniqlo has achieved its best performance in history, with strong growth in regions like Southeast Asia, India, Australia, North America, and Europe, while the Chinese market is experiencing a slowdown [3][4]. Financial Performance - Fast Retailing, Uniqlo's parent company, reported a total revenue of 1,790.1 billion yen (approximately 91.3 billion RMB) for the first half of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, a year-on-year increase of 12%. Net profit reached 233.5 billion yen (approximately 11.9 billion RMB), up 19.2% [3][4]. - Revenue in the Greater China region declined by approximately 3% to 361.7 billion yen, with profits down about 9%. Specifically, revenue in mainland China fell by 4%, and profits decreased by 11% [4][10]. Market Strategy and Consumer Behavior - Uniqlo has ended its decade-long "honeymoon" period in China, shifting focus from market expansion to market penetration as consumer preferences evolve towards affordable alternatives [4][8]. - The younger generation in China is increasingly opting for cheaper substitutes, leading to a shift in brand loyalty. Uniqlo faces competition from lower-priced brands that directly market themselves as alternatives to Uniqlo [4][7]. Competitive Positioning - Despite the challenges, Uniqlo's brand fundamentals remain intact, as it continues to offer high-quality, basic apparel that meets market demands. The brand's relative competitiveness is reportedly increasing as consumer sentiment shifts [7][8]. - Uniqlo has maintained its position as one of the top five brands in the women's clothing market in mainland China from 2018 to 2022 [7]. Store Strategy - Uniqlo is adjusting its store strategy by closing smaller, underperforming stores and focusing on larger flagship locations to enhance profitability [9][16]. - The company has increased its store count in Greater China to 1,031, surpassing Japan's 787 stores, but revenue per store in China remains lower than in Japan [10][12]. E-commerce Integration - Uniqlo's e-commerce strategy is performing well, with online sales accounting for 20% of its revenue in China, higher than Japan's 15%. The "store-warehouse integration" strategy is enhancing overall performance [21][22]. - The company has seen significant success during major sales events, ranking first in clothing sales on platforms like Tmall during events like 618 and Double 11 [26]. Supply Chain and Production - Uniqlo relies heavily on Chinese factories, with 269 suppliers in China compared to only 75 in Vietnam and 32 in Bangladesh. The efficiency of Chinese manufacturing remains crucial for Uniqlo's operations [29][30]. Future Outlook - Uniqlo aims to achieve a sales target of 1 trillion yen by 2028, with the Chinese market being a core battleground despite current challenges [30].