Carving out new markets
in my own way
Ichino Teshigawara
Wholesale Department
Joined in 2014
Text and Edit / Yukiko Shinmura
Photo / Sho Ueda
Sales are bigger than just operations
Since my first year joining, I always wanted to be part of operations. And now I'm in charge of operations for the wholesale department, dealing mostly with wholesale clients. When I came to the department, I thought we generally sold existing products, but operations at Tomorrowland are unique as they're focused on creating new pieces based on feedback.
For example, customers in cooler versus warmer areas would want different specifications for an item, even if the design is the same. By hearing from people in each area, the product planning team can rethink details like whether an item needs inner lining, the material, and the length to better suit that region.
Using new businesses to create paths
I've been part of the wholesale department for five years. The style here lets me work outside of the box, dealing with domestic clients as well as international ones - especially ones from China and Singapore - and doing business with large corporations. It took me a while to get the hang of things when I first joined, but as I studied, I learned how to take more initiative.
I love being able to carve out new businesses and expand the company's potential. And I believe these new endeavors will also connect with my juniors' futures. I want the next generation to see how much an apparel company is capable of and that we're not bound by stereotypes! And I hope that I can pass this baton of a vision down to those who come after me as well.
Why I visit stores once a week
Employees who work at the main office plus instore each have their own reasons, and mine is because I value communicating with those under me. When I was in my mid 20s, I wondered about what to do going forward. I kept telling myself to get back to the basics, try working at the main office, and help with operations, and the work I do now is close to the ideals I envisioned.
I want people to know that work styles like mine exist at this company as a career path option. I would love for someone's career options to increase and I think it's my mission to see such people come about.
Ichino Teshigawara
Wholesale Department
Joined in 2014
After working at the DES PRÉS Marunouchi Store and Maison Tomorrowland Shinjuku Isetan Store for five years, she came to the main office in 2019 to become the head of operations for the wholesale department. She is in charge of domestic and international wholesale operations for men's and women's clothing, exhibitions, store-related tasks, and corporations.