Coach to open another three Japanese shops

US handbag and accessories brand Coach will open three standalone stores in Japan, following the opening of a third shop in the capital in April.

Coach will open outlets in Osaka, Sapporo and Sendai by the end of this year, carrying its full product range, including bags and accessories, jewellery and sunglasses.

Despite the long-term slump in the Japanese retail market, the country has become a key market for Coach since its launch there in 2000. The brand also proved popular with label-hungry Japanese consumers. Aside from its flagships, Coach operates from more than 60 department store concessions across Japan.

The company said that same- store sales in the quarter ended March 27 increased 'by a double digit percentage' in Japan.

Coach, which has more than 230 US stores, plans further overseas expansion and has stated its intention to open flagships in major European cities.