ITOCHU Corporation (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Yoshihisa Suzuki, President & COO; hereinafter “ITOCHU”) announced today that it has obtained the exclusive import and distribution rights in Japan for the cosmetic products of Cath Kidston, a UK-based lifestyle brand. ITOCHU will launch in 2019 Fall/Winter season through TOKYODO Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Koto-ku, Tokyo; Tadao Sasaki, President; hereinafter “TOKYODO”).

Ms. Cath Kidston, the founder of the Cath Kidston brand, opened a small, self-titled vintage store in London in 1993 and began selling original products made with vintage fabrics in addition to accessories, furniture, and other goods. She subsequently developed original design prints based on the concept of “modern vintage.” By selling products with a range of playful, attractive designs, including the iconic flower prints created by arranging traditional British-style designs, Cath Kidston has become widely known as one of the UK’s major lifestyles brands. Today, her products are sold in 16 countries around the world, offering a large, wide-ranging selection encompassing home accessories, products for babies and kids, and cosmetics, in addition to fashion goods such as bags and apparel.

The cosmetics category offers products such as hand creams, lip balms, and perfumes that represent the worldview of the Cath Kidston brand on a global scale. In the Japanese market, ITOCHU plans to sell these products through TOKYODO’s various distribution networks with a focus on large variety stores and drugstores across Japan. By taking advantage of the experience and expertise that ITOCHU has built over the years in its brand business, it aims to grow the business by promoting the image and raising the recognition of the Cath Kidston brand in the cosmetics market based on the brand’s mission – make cheerful, practical products that bring a smile to your face and brighten your day!