Apparel-industry bankruptcies reached 210 from January to September 2026, exceeding the level recorded in the same period of the previous year. Rising costs amid higher prices and yen depreciation are squeezing management, and survival strategies involving M&A are attracting attention.
According to data compiled by Teikoku Databank, there were 210 apparel-related bankruptcies from January to September 2026, exceeding 200 for the second consecutive year. Rising procurement costs due to higher prices and yen depreciation, combined with delays in passing costs on to prices, are squeezing management. Against this backdrop, M&A aimed at acquiring brands and store networks, entering overseas markets and restructuring businesses is attracting attention.
By business type, manufacturing bankruptcies rose 4.0% year on year to 52, while wholesale bankruptcies rose 9.9% to 78. Retail bankruptcies fell 12.1% to 80.
Apparel companies are expected to increasingly seek to restructure their businesses by acquiring brands to expand their product offerings and customer bases, and by incorporating store networks and overseas sales channels. Some are also considering strengthening manufacturing capabilities and business rehabilitation. There is also a view that M&A focused on business reorganization could increase going forward.
Overall, as M&A is increasingly used in a challenging environment, future developments are attracting attention.