WORKMAN Plus

WORKMAN Plus is a Japanese retail format of the workwear chain Workman, launched in 2018 to sell low cost sports and outdoor clothing. It applies the technical know how of work clothing to everyday functional apparel.

What is WORKMAN Plus?

WORKMAN Plus is a store format operated by the Japanese retailer Workman. Workman began with work clothing for construction labourers, and WORKMAN Plus extends that heritage into affordable sports and outdoor apparel for a wider public.

History

Workman was founded by Yoshio Tsuchiya, who opened the first store in 1979. In 2016 the company moved into low cost outdoor gear, and in 2018 it opened the first WORKMAN Plus store. The format grew quickly, with hundreds of WORKMAN Plus shops operating across Japan alongside the regular Workman stores.

Products and positioning

The range focuses on functional clothing for sports, outdoor and everyday use, including waterproof outerwear, at prices far below established outdoor brands. A waterproof jacket, for example, has been priced at 3,900 yen. The proposition is technical performance at value prices, built on the materials and durability standards developed for workwear.

• Waterproof and technical outerwear
• Sports and outdoor clothing
• Functional everyday apparel

Distribution

WORKMAN Plus stores are located throughout Japan, including in shopping centres such as Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport malls, complementing Workman's roadside store network.

Why it matters

WORKMAN Plus is a notable case of a workwear retailer repositioning towards fashion conscious consumers, showing how functional product expertise and value pricing can compete directly with branded outdoor and sportswear labels.

Frequently asked questions

What is WORKMAN Plus?

WORKMAN Plus is a store format of the Japanese workwear retailer Workman that sells low cost sports and outdoor clothing.

When did WORKMAN Plus open?

The first WORKMAN Plus store opened in 2018, following Workman's move into outdoor gear in 2016.

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