A person’s warmth can
also dwell within objects
Haruka Ichikawa
Manager, Tomorrowland Lumine Ikebukuro Store
Joined in 2011
Text and Edit / Yukiko Shinmura
Photo / Sho Ueda
A company that will surprise you
My first purchase at Tomorrowland was a MACPHEE rider's jacket. During my third year of university, I happened to pass by the Tomorrowland Lumine Yokohama store, saw a nice leather rider’s jacket and fell in love with it immediately. It was like I was being pulled into the store, and when I put my arms through the sleeves, I knew I had to get it. I had always thought the store was more for adults than for students like me, but my opinion completely changed after encountering that jacket.
Good products are always good, regardless of your age. The people working inside were also friendly and warm, so lots of things surprised me in a good way. After shopping there just once, I quickly became attracted to both the products and the people. Even after joining the company, my initial impression never changed.
Listen to customers’ feedback
I got assigned to be an opening staff member at the Tomorrowland Lumine Ikebukuro store and had the opportunity to do self-led merchandising. Creating a store layout while considering how to stand out from other stores was difficult because there wasn’t just one correct answer, but it was also a lot of fun because I could see the customer’s reactions up close. Now, I’m working as the manager for the store while also being part of the main office’s product department managing MACPHEE products.
Tomorrowland’s process of creating things is filled with passion. They’re particular even behind the scenes. My role in the midst of such product planning and improvements is to be a liaison with the store. It’s always important to me to have a perspective similar to our customers.
Gaining fans through the power of teamwork
My job title is store manager, but I’m only able to hold this position because of support from store staff members. And thanks to friends and senior coworkers, I can get advice if there’s a problem. The store managers I’ve met so far are all great people in my opinion. I’ve fought against all kinds of pressure over the past five years. Just like my seniors did for me, I consciously watch over the staff so that I can pick up even on the subtlest of things.
It’s especially important to talk with them. I'm always thinking about whether we have a good work environment for everyone. Because if each employee is in their best condition, that will lead to the best store performance. Teamwork is key to increasing fans of the store.
Haruka Ichikawa
Manager, Tomorrowland Lumine Ikebukuro Store
Joined in 2011
After working in a department store, she joined the opening staff for Tomorrowland Lumine Ikebukuro store when it reopened. She currently works as the store manager, is on the MACPHEE Team in the main office’s production department, and helps with visual merchandising as well as promotions.