SCM and Omnichannel Optimization through Strengthening Digital and IT Infrastructure

「First, as part of efforts to strengthen OMO (Note), we implemented measures centered on strengthening the platform for the “Order Online, Pick Up In Store” service, as well as securing popular products, setting competitive selling prices and conducting effective campaigns.」

「As a specific initiative, under “Strengthening the Digital and IT Infrastructure,” the company introduced a new core system to streamline business processes related to sales and inventory management and began full-scale operations.」

「Under the initiative to revitalise existing stores (stores and e-commerce), the company has been reviewing store layouts and inventory levels, which had traditionally focused on new-bicycle sales, and aims to establish an optimal operating structure capable of accommodating growth in e-commerce sales, repairs and maintenance, and reuse. In particular, as part of its OMO initiatives, it strengthened functions such as products, websites and web advertising and optimised store operations in line with the increasing e-commerce sales ratio, contributing to a substantial rise in that ratio.」

「First, as part of strengthening OMO (note), the company focused on reinforcing the foundation for its “order online, pick up in store” service, while securing popular products, setting competitive selling prices and implementing effective campaigns. In particular, the Asahi-brand electric-assist bicycle “Enathis,” which combines high functionality and design with an affordable price, performed well. The company’s previous store openings in urban areas with strong demand for e-commerce sales also produced results, enabling it to achieve higher net sales.」

「We were able to increase e-commerce sales by strengthening the infrastructure for the “Order Online, Pick Up In Store” service, securing popular products, setting competitive selling prices and efficiently managing web advertising.」

「We were able to increase net sales year on year by raising prices during the previous fiscal year, expanding e-commerce sales through strengthened support for the “Order Online, Pick Up In Store” service, and responding to increased demand for repairs and maintenance by consistently assigning skilled staff to stores nationwide.」

「First, as consumers continued to shift from physical stores to e-commerce, the company worked to secure inventory dedicated to e-commerce so that it could adequately meet increased demand during the peak season.」

「As specific initiatives, in the areas of “Digital/IT” and “Logistics,” the company advanced the project to introduce a new core system, developed and designed a long-term logistics infrastructure plan in addition to upgrading its existing logistics facilities, and promoted the introduction of a warehouse management system.」

「The company also began rebuilding its system infrastructure.」

「We expected the increase in bicycle demand during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to a certain extent into the current fiscal year. By focusing on securing products, particularly through the “Order Online, Pick Up in Store” service, we were able to capture demand for high-value-added products such as electric-assist bicycles.」

「In sales activities, as customers have shifted in recent years from conventional bicycles to sport cycles and electric-assist bicycles, the Company has worked to improve the expertise of its sales staff so they can provide customers with products offering greater convenience and functionality. It has also worked to strengthen inventory by leveraging its proprietary supply chain system.」

「“Strengthening the Digital and IT Infrastructure” By strengthening the digital and IT infrastructure that forms the foundation of management and the core of growth, we will optimize SCM (supply chain management), omnichannel operations and other areas, with the aim of further improving customer convenience.」