When it comes to Japanese retail billionaires, the first name that springs to mind might be Tadashi Yanai, the entrepreneur behind the Uniqlo brand and the nation¡¯s richest man.
But there¡¯s another founder who¡¯s drawing attention as one of his biggest companies transforms in the country.
Yoshio Tsuchiya¡¯s Workman Co. has expanded beyond its roots as a maker of drab uniforms for laborers into low-cost but functional sportswear and outdoor gear. The evolution has won praise from investors, analysts and even Fast Retailing Co.¡¯s Yanai, who says the company has created a ¡°new market,¡± although other observers question whether the positive momentum has reached its limit.
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