istyle Inc. (3660) Stock Price

iStyle operates a platform business specialized in cosmetics and beauty. Its core offering is the information media centered on the word-of-mouth review site "@cosme," which it leverages to provide advertising and marketing support services utilizing data analytics.

The company's primary customers are cosmetics manufacturers and retailers. It generates revenue through advertising placements, data analysis services, and product sales through its own sales channels. By combining the influence of its media platform with its sales channels, iStyle secures revenue from both advertising and product sales.

The business is divided into four segments: Marketing Support, Retail, Global, and Other. Marketing Support handles advertising and data utilization services. Retail operates the company's online sales and physical stores. Global manages overseas sales and media expansion. Other includes beauty consultant dispatch services, paid user services, and investment in and nurturing of growth-stage companies.

The company is committed to "creating markets centered on consumers" and aims to improve platform quality and drive business growth with the review site "@cosme" (launched in 1999) at its core. Leveraging its existing user base of monthly users exceeding one-third of Japan's female population, the company is securing revenue from both advertising and product sales by integrating media, e-commerce, physical stores, and human resources services, while pursuing sustainable growth through domestic and international business expansion.

The company has identified data utilization and customer base expansion as priority investment areas. Building on review and behavioral data accumulated since its founding, the company is advancing personalized service offerings, brand consulting, and AI-powered review analysis tools. It aims to acquire new customers and drive repeat purchases through synergies between e-commerce and physical retail. In parallel, the company is recruiting and developing engineers, making continuous system investments, and strengthening its information security framework.

The company is also working to expand its BEAUTY segment and restructure its international operations. Beyond cosmetics, it plans to extend products and services into broader beauty markets including inner care and anti-aging solutions, with the goal of expanding market share through efficient engagement with @cosme's trend-conscious users. For international operations, the company is prioritizing profitability improvements based on past experience, reallocating resources and personnel, and executing business restructuring aimed at medium to long-term growth.

The company positions technological innovation as a driver of growth and is accelerating service development incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI. While focusing on delivering seamless online and offline experiences, the company is differentiating itself by combining AI-driven analysis and recommendations with areas where human judgment and in-store experiences hold value. Additionally, the company continues investing in proper management of personal information and confidential data, aiming to build a trustworthy platform.