BANGKOK — World Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s leading apparel retailers, has announced a strategic joint venture with Thailand’s Saha Group to bring its premium second-hand fashion brand RAGTAG to the Thai market.
The partnership, formed with I.C.C International Public Company Limited, a Saha Group company led by President and Executive Chairman Thamarat Chokwatana, marks a significant expansion of RAGTAG’s international footprint.
The joint venture comes amid explosive growth in the global second-hand luxury market, which has seen sustained double-digit growth rates in recent years. Industry analysts point to increasing environmental consciousness and value-seeking behavior among younger consumers as key drivers of this trend.
“This partnership represents a strategic alignment of two retail powerhouses,” said World Co. President Nobuteru Suzuki. “By combining World Co.’s expertise in the luxury resale market with Saha Group’s deep understanding of Thai retail, we are well-positioned to capture the growing demand for sustainable luxury fashion in Southeast Asia.”
RAGTAG, operated by World Co.’s subsidiary Tin Pan Alley Co., Ltd., has established itself as a market leader in Japan’s second-hand luxury sector since its 1985 debut in Tokyo’s Harajuku district. The company’s business model includes rigorous authentication processes and centralized inventory management, processing approximately 700,000 items annually across its 23 Japanese locations.
The venture will leverage RAGTAG’s proven operational model, including its sophisticated authentication procedures and omnichannel retail strategy, while benefiting from Saha Group’s extensive local retail network and market expertise.
Market analysts expect this move to significantly impact Thailand’s luxury retail landscape, potentially accelerating the adoption of second-hand luxury shopping in the region. The joint venture aligns with growing consumer interest in sustainable fashion alternatives and the increasing acceptance of pre-owned luxury goods among Thai consumers.
Financial terms of the joint venture were not disclosed. The companies expect to announce specific store opening dates and locations in the coming months.
About RAGTAG:
Founded in 1985, RAGTAG operates 23 stores across Japan and processes 700,000 items annually through its centralized authentication and restoration facility. The company has maintained consistent double-digit growth through its combination of rigorous quality control, authenticated luxury merchandise, and omnichannel retail strategy.
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