Introducing the World Store Partners Partnership Development Department from the World Group team introduction "OURTEAM" (From an article in the World Group internal newsletter on November 15, 2021)

A platform business that sells the know-how cultivated by the World Group over its 60-year history to outside companies. We have a wide range of know-how, but this time, we interviewed two people who are in charge of the external sales business, centered on sales agency, which World Store Partners (hereafter WSP) is focusing on.

The ability to serve customers can be used in any industry

Keiichiro Hikino, Supervisor/Sales, Kanto Office, Partnership Management Department

“I would like to expand the scope and make it possible for various jobs to come in.”

Joined in 2001 as store manager and SV. In 2009, I was transferred to the Store Education Promotion Department. When I thought about what I wanted to do in the future, I liked to tell people about it, and I wanted to make the most of my experience.

The strength of the World Group is that it has developed brands in line with the needs of each era. Some brands have ended in line with the changing times, but we should have accumulated more know-how than we think from the experience we have cultivated with various brands.

Working with "Godiva" is my first time in food sales, and I am learning every step of the way. But it's the same with fashion brands. The difference is that it has an expiration date and is in the customer's mouth. I think that the know-how cultivated in the apparel business can be fully utilized by listening to the scene after customers ask and purchase products, and I think that the partner can feel the value. Actually, I'm not good at sweets (laughs). However, there are times when I stand in the store, and I really learn a lot from customers and staff.

In terms of acquiring a new sense, it means having a “sales” perspective. I don't have any experience in sales, so I'm not bound by preconceived notions, and it's important to build up each step like a WSP. We also sell educational tools such as on-demand training, and customer questionnaire surveys (market research), and we would like to strengthen them in the future. I would like to fully convey that WSP's strengths can be utilized as know-how integrated with the store.

I would like to acquire skills that allow me to flexibly do anything. Just like the work that comes to us, we must respond to change so that we can do many things. I would like to convey to more companies that WSP has sales skills that meet a wide range of tastes and targets, and that we can not only act as agents, but also train staff.

With the staff at the store on the day of the AEON MALL, I am involved in various brands using my curiosity at the store where Christmas limited products are lined up.

Taking advantage of curiosity and being involved in various brands

Partnership Development Department Sales Service Section Supervisor Miharu Shiraishi

"I'm looking forward to encountering various brands and products. I want to convey the value to customers."

Since joining WSP in 2004, I have been a member of "Aqua Girl" and experienced store managers at multiple stores. I feel that the experience of dealing with different needs and customers in various locations even with the same store name is still alive today.

Currently, as an SV, I am involved in the external sales business. As a store manager at the limited-time store of the brand "UNOHA" that debuted this spring from ASICS, I have worked as a store manager in Shibuya Scramble Square in March, Ebisu Atre in June, Hankyu Umeda Main Store in July, and Newman Yokohama in October. Standing at the storefront at the times pop-up. Standing in pop-up spaces in many museums is a valuable opportunity to accumulate experience and experience various customer groups.

"UNOHA" is a brand that targets women who are interested in fields such as health and beauty, workouts, yoga, and environmental issues, based on the unique functionality of Asics, a sports manufacturer. We are also working to use sustainable materials in our products, so we would like to convey this to our customers. At first, many people pick up shoes that are comfortable and well-known, but as we introduce the wear, you can sympathize with the manufacturing and concept. I would like to convey the appeal of the brand to many people and have them become fans.

The systems and methods of working with companies outside the company are different, so it is necessary to learn from the beginning, and I am keenly aware that there are many parts that have been dependent on the structure of the world until now. On the other hand, as a dresser, there are of course things that have not changed. That is, as a person who interacts with customers at the forefront, to feed back the voices I heard at the store. Of course, I will also convey the opinions of the staff and myself.

In addition to "UNOHA", I am also in charge of MARK STYLER's "ELENDEEK". At first, I was puzzled by the design and the coordination that overturned the concept of "how to wear it like this", but I believe that the skills of WSP can be fully utilized for a wide range of customers. It's fun to be involved with various brands with different tastes.

Since I myself have a long experience as a store manager, I believe that what is required of me is to "operate smoothly" at the agency store. I can't help but be desperate for what's in front of me, but it's rewarding to encounter various things and things, such as new brands, halls, and customers. We want our customers to feel value while having fun.

From shoes to innerwear brands, the range of initiatives will expand this fall as well

This fall, WSP has started store development and sales agency, mainly for limited-time stores handled by the shoe brand "Acures" developed by Asics Trading. Starting with Cocoon City, a shopping mall in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, in September, and Kita-Senju Marui, a commercial facility in Adachi-ku, Tokyo, in October, we will gradually develop limited-time sales, and many customers will be able to enjoy both comfort and beauty. We will convey the charm of "acures" shoes.
Also, in October, we were entrusted with the sales agency of the directly managed store "GUNZE" developed by Gunze Co., Ltd. With the initiative of the newly opened shopping center AEON MALL Nagoya Noritake Garden at the end of October as the first step, in the future, by acting as a sales agent mainly for directly managed stores and limited-time stores, we will meet the needs of our customers with the know-how of an apparel manufacturer. We will strengthen our sales capabilities as a store where customers can select while conveying the functions and characteristics of products.

World's know-how accumulated through brand development and store openings has steadily become the group's knowledge and has been handed down as WSP's DNA of "hospitality to customers". When you go to a sales agency store, you can see that they are building a relationship with the company they are working with. This sense of unity is our strength, and we are evolving into a new era in which the platform is utilized beyond the boundaries of companies.