Early Life and Career
Nobutoshi Shimamura founded Shimamura Co., Ltd. in 1953. He started with a small textile business, eventually opening a clothing store in Tokyo. Over the decades, the company expanded significantly, growing into one of Japan's largest clothing retailers.
Rise to Success
A key strategic move was adopting a discount pricing strategy in 1985, which attracted cost-conscious consumers. Shimamura Co. was listed on the stock exchange in 1980, becoming the first apparel company in Japan to do so. The company's business model focuses on offering a wide range of affordable apparel, including casualwear and children's clothing.
Key Business Strategies
Shimamura's success can be attributed to several factors. The company operates a vast network of stores across Japan and Taiwan. They also maintain a diversified product range including everyday clothing and lifestyle products. The company focuses on cost efficiency and high inventory turnover, which has allowed it to maintain a strong market share against competitors. Shimamura has also been modernizing its operations, including enhancing its e-commerce platform.
Philanthropy
While specific philanthropy amounts were not found, the company focuses on realizing a diverse society by employing people with disabilities. As of June 2025, the company employs 973 employees with disabilities.