TOKYO -- Japanese suit retailer Aoki Holdings likely saw group operating profit drop by half on the year to above 4 billion yen ($35.5 million) in the April-December period, as discounts and store renovation costs weighed on earnings.
Sales likely rose 2% to about 133 billion yen, as cold weather in October and November drove up buying of winter clothing such as coats. Existing-store sales grew 3.7%, and customer numbers climbed 2.7% thanks to post-renovation discounts. Newly opened suit shops, karaoke facilities and members-only clubs where patrons can sip coffee and relax also contributed to top-line growth.