Topic: How To Invest

Q: Pat, please can I get your thoughts on Miniso? I like its stores. Thanks.

Article Excerpt

A: Miniso Group Holdings (ADR), $7.22, symbol MNSO on New York (Shares outstanding: 316.7 million; Market cap: $2.7 billion; www.miniso.com), is a fast-growing retailer that opened its first store in China in 2013. It now has 5,133 stores in its global network, including more than 3,197 in China. The company itself operates just 147 of the stores, with the rest managed by franchisees. Miniso aims to attract shoppers with a variety of design-led lifestyle products. It offers over 8,000 core items, the vast majority of which are under its flagship brand “Miniso.” These products span 11 major categories, including home decor, small electronics, textile, accessories, beauty tools, toys, cosmetics, personal care items, snacks, fragrances and perfumes, plus stationery and gifts. Note that Miniso has attracted some commentary over the years because everything about the firm—from its name, branding and products to its website—suggests it is Japanese. However, the company started up in China. In fact, it’s very similar to Japanese lifestyle chain…