World and TSI Holdings to merge into new apparel giant Infinity United

Apparel giants World and TSI Holdings have agreed to a business merger to establish a joint holding company, Infinity United, effective March 1, 2027. The move aims to create a ‘third pole’ in the fashion industry, positioning the new entity as a diverse platform to compete alongside global SPA giants like Fast Retailing and large retailers like Shimamura.

The combined company is expected to reach annual sales of approximately 451 billion yen, making it the third-largest player in the Japanese apparel market. The merger is driven by a shared recognition of domestic market challenges, including brand oversupply and excessive store counts, which have increased industry costs through redundant logistics, systems, and inventory.

By integrating information systems, logistics, and corporate functions, the companies intend to reduce costs and enhance digital marketing through unified customer data. The new entity will be headquartered in Kita-Aoyama, Tokyo. Tsuyoshi Shimoji, current President and CEO of TSI Holdings, will serve as Chairman, while Nobuteru Suzuki, current Executive Officer of World, will serve as President and Executive Officer.