ASICS has significantly altered its U.S. retail strategy, leading to a reduced presence of its products in many stores. The primary reason for this shift is supply chain disruptions, largely stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of January 2022, ASICS officially announced that it would be terminating most of its retailer agreements for shoe distribution across the United States. This strategic move aims to streamline their operations in response to the challenges posed by global supply chain issues. While many retail partnerships have been discontinued, ASICS may continue to work with a select few key, national accounts to ensure some level of broad market availability.
This change means that while you might not see ASICS products in as many retail locations as before, it is primarily a consequence of their decision to manage distribution more directly in the face of ongoing logistical complexities.
Key Reasons for ASICS' Retail Strategy Change:
- Supply Chain Issues: The global supply chain faced significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting production, shipping, and inventory management for many companies, including ASICS.
- Strategic Distribution Shift: To navigate these challenges, ASICS opted to pull back from a broad distribution model, focusing instead on potentially fewer, more manageable partnerships.
- Date of Change: This change in U.S. retailer agreements officially took effect in January 2022.
This strategic adjustment reflects a broader trend among brands adapting to new economic realities and aiming for more control over their product availability and customer experience.
