Kaitori Okoku sees sales surge, profit dips amid strategic investments

Kaitori Okoku reported robust sales of JPY 4,394 million for the second quarter of the fiscal year ending February 2026, marking a 125.5% increase year-over-year. This growth was fueled by new store openings, business acquisitions, and strong performance in fashion, hobbies, and tool-related merchandise. The company also achieved 42 consecutive months of existing store sales growth since March 2022 and 32 consecutive months of record sales since January 2023.

Despite the strong sales, ordinary profit saw a decrease of 98.9% year-over-year to JPY 198 million. This was attributed to strategic upfront investments and increased selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses, which rose by 128.9% from the previous period. Notable SG&A increases include personnel costs (129.6%), rent (139.8%), and depreciation (183.9%), reflecting staff increases, new store openings, and the implementation of a new POS system.

Kaitori Okoku continues its strategic expansion, with plans for additional store openings, particularly for its tools business. The company aims to further enhance profitability in the second half of the fiscal year, focusing on optimizing existing stores and developing new business areas such as used fishing gear.