しまむら acquired 21 stores operated under Koromopia, the apparel business of サミット, a Sumitomo Corporation-affiliated company. It is the first full-scale acquisition in the more than 70-year history of the company.
しまむら, a major operator of practical and casual apparel stores, announced that it would acquire 21 Koromopia stores, effectively ending its longstanding moratorium on acquisitions. The purchase price was not disclosed, and the acquisition was announced in early September.
しまむら was founded in 1953 and has a long history, but is understood not to have undertaken a full-scale corporate acquisition in more than 70 years. The partnership and acquisition may be intended to strengthen its store-opening capabilities in urban areas.
Going forward, しまむら is considering a policy of expanding its domestic business foundation while leveraging Koromopia's store network. The opening of a flagship store in Kyoto and potential expansion into markets such as Taiwan are also attracting attention.