HK and SG drive over 50% of revenue for Don Don Donki parent firm

Don Don Donki's parent company Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIH) has released its annual results ending on 30 June, which saw the huge increase in sales in foreign markets, particularly Hong Kong and Singapore.  In its last fiscal year, PPIH's Asia business revenue was ¥50.14 billion (US$ 456.78 million) compared to ¥20.89 billion (US$ 190.3 million) in 2020 which increased by 140% year-on-year.

Hong Kong was the most lucrative market with its revenue reaching ¥20.91 billion (US$ 190.5 million), accounting for about 40% of the total revenue of the company in Asia. 

Meanwhile, Singapore in another market that contributed to the growth of the PPIH. The revenue of the Singapore market was ¥5.5 billion (US$50.1 million), accounting for about 11% of revenue in its Asian business. PPIH's operating profit reached ¥3.4 billion (US$30.97 million), compared to losing ¥465 million (US$4.23 million) in 2020.

PPIH said its Asia business achieved profitability for the first time with sales thanks to its aggressive store openings, and higher margin through Pan Pacific International Club (PPIC), a membership organisation consisting of agricultural producers who wish to export their produce to PPIH overseas stores.

Looking ahead, PPIH is planning to open 12 new stores in Asian markets in the fiscal year ending in June 2022, including four in Singapore, two in Hong Kong with the new Tuen Mun store opened in July, and even one in Macau.

The company will also kick off initiatives to further promote "Japanese food" in local markets. The company also announced plans to support overseas business development and profitability improvement while continuing to expand the scale of procurement through PPIC. In the fiscal year ending in June 2022, the company plans to supply agricultural products not only to Asia but also to North America.

PPIH also explained its digital data strategy where it will focus on customer understanding by strengthening the capabilities of data analysis; customer contact by expanding channels with customers, including enhanced app functionality; as well as customer experience which include design and implementation of purchase experiences tailored to customer preferences. 

By providing seamless contact with customers, PPHI said it will improve not only the value and convenience it offers, but also use it to continuously improve its business as it is the great opportunity to learn about customers.

Lastly, the company will revamp its app "majica", offering users information about promotion, as well as other features such as product search and purchase, and payment and media function to offer greater flexibility and allow users to form communities in the app.