I want to make HOKA the top shoe brand in Japan H・H HOKA Assistant Store Manager
“I love it!” and “Challenge” is the driving force
Respecting the feeling of “I love it!”, I have been experiencing work in various job categories in the area I am interested in. Having been in a band, I worked for a company in the music industry, planning and managing events. During that time, I experienced various jobs and was able to learn how society works. I feel that such experience is now helping me a lot when working as an assistant store manager.
I had recognized HOKA for its fashion items from before, but started using HOKA trekking and trail shoes heavily after starting to climb mountains, and became a great fan of the brand. When I heard that HOKA Harajuku, the largest directly-managed store in Japan, was recruiting an assistant store manager, I applied for the post immediately. I love taking on a new challenge, and the opening of a new store was extremely attractive for me. Above all, isn’t it great being able to work at a store of the brand you love?
Serve the customers with the responsibility of representing HOKA, and win new fans
I have been working in a job directly serving customers for more than half of my career, so I believe my strongest point is my communication skill. I close the gap with customers through small talk, carefully listen to their concerns and wishes, and try to find the best pair of shoes while also not neglecting my first impression. At that time, I always explain not only the advantages but also disadvantages of the shoes. For example, the outer soles of shoes to be worn in town as fashion and shoes for running mountain trails are made differently. For mountain use, there are spikes to prevent slipping. Using such shoes in daily life makes you tired a little more quickly. I carefully explain the characteristics of the product, and ask the customer to understand them before purchasing.
I also use my communication skill for staff management. There are many staff members at HOKA Harajuku, but I try to have a conversation with each of them for as long a time as possible. I think everyone is good at something while not so good at other things. I collect such information through small talk. With such information, I lead the team to unite efforts and invigorate HOKA Harajuku. Six months have passed since the opening (* as of the time of interview), but the store is still alive and kicking. So many customers are visiting the store every day that we are obliged to restrict entry. In such situation, each staff member must serve the customer sincerely, having the responsibility of representing HOKA. An encounter with a customer is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I believe that customers who experience wonderful service will always become a fan of the brand, and repeatedly visit the store thereafter.
I want to become the brand head and implement multilateral and multifaceted brand strategy
I think that HOKA is a brand that can develop more in Japan. I feel really excited being able to be engaged in the market expansion of such brand. Tasks like developing staff operation from ground zero in the largest directly-managed store in Japan, and being engaged in team building, are also a new challenge for me and I am enjoying it greatly. Fortunately, I am given great discretion, and while I realize the attendant heavy responsibility, the joy of being able to work while feeling the growth of the team and the brand at close hand is overwhelming.
I want to become the brand head of HOKA in Japan in the future. When I become the brand head, I want to expand the directly-managed stores, boost e-commerce, and also would like to plan some events. I think I can utilize my past job career in such occasions as well. I will fuse energy into the brand from HOKA, increase the fans of the brand, and will develop it into Japan’s top shoe brand in the future.
My favorite pair of shoes
I love this model so much that I am about to start using my second pair. It can be used for both trail and road, so I wear it daily. You tend to injure your knees when climbing down, but these shoes have strong cushioning characteristics so you do not feel any pain. I also feel like the name “Challenger” symbolizes my life, so they are my favorite shoes including its product name.
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