Uniqlo owner aims to make on-demand knitwear with Japan's Shima Seiki (updated)
13/07/2018 09:01
* Fast Retailing, Shima Seiki set up joint venture in 2016
* Uniqlo sells Shima Seiki-produced knitwear currently
* On-demand clothing one of fashion industry's hottest
topics
(Adds shares, background)
By Sam Nussey
TOKYO, July 13 (Reuters) - Japan's Fast Retailing Co
9983.T , parent of the Uniqlo chain, said on Friday it was
stepping up co-operation with Shima Seiki Mfg Ltd 6222.T with
an aim to make on-demand knitwear items.
The move comes at a time when the question of how to produce
custom-made clothing has become one of the hottest topics in the
fashion industry, with online player Zozo upending the space
with its measurement-taking bodysuits.
Earlier this month, Zozo, officially called Start Today Co
Ltd 3092.T and the operator of the Zozotown mall, said it was
considering working with Shima Seiki. urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL4N1TZ2CA
Uniqlo already sells knitwear items made with Shima Seiki's
whole-garment knitting machines under a joint venture the pair
set up in 2016.
Fast Retailing said it was now looking to make on-demand
knitwear on a large scale but did not say when this would be
available. Uniqlo's customers can currently order custom-made
items such as shirts and jackets.
Shares of Fast Retailing, which this week reported record
quarterly profits on the stellar performance of Uniqlo stores
abroad, closed up 7 percent on Friday before the announcement
about on-demand knitwear. urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL4N1U82KT
Shima Seiki shares closed up 6 percent