From UGG to HOKA, aiming for further growth S･S HOKA Sales Associate
From Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to the world of apparel
In order to continue doing boxing, which I had learned since fourth grade in elementary school, I joined the Physical Training School of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force after I graduated from high school. Thereafter, I quit boxing and was engaged in clerical work at the school for about a year and a half. I started thinking I would like to work in the business of fashion, which I really like. I was especially attracted to UGG, which was one of my favorite shoes, and I applied to the advertised job, and started working at UGG Omotesando Hills Store.
Each staff member had unique character, with strong opinions at work, and they were all really charming. I was stimulated by the people in the store, who I admired not only in terms of work but also personally. I learned my job wishing that I could be like them. At first it was difficult for me to express my own opinions, but in the environment where everyone can speak their opinions freely, I think I gradually grew to express my opinions with my own words. The two-year period I spent at UGG was not only fun, but was also full of occasions for learning and growing, so it was really precious moments. The staff members of that time are still very good company, and we sometimes go out in private.
Moving to HOKA in pursuit of further growth
I leaned through an in-house job posting about the opening of HOKA Harajuku, the largest directly-managed store in Japan, and I applied for the job. Although I was working at UGG at that time, I was strongly attracted to HOKA every time I saw the products in the fashion accounts on Instagram and TikTok, and was becoming a regular user of HOKA shoes. The shoes are highly functional even for daily use, and go well with clothes, so they are really excellent. I found myself being attracted to HOKA more and more.
I was also expecting that I could grow further by becoming an opening staff member of the largest directly-managed store in Japan. Because there are many customers from overseas in Harajuku, I will have the opportunity of serving customers from many countries. Also, because I was doing sports for a long time, I thought I could use my experience and knowledge. I did feel a bit anxious, but I decided on the transfer from UGG to HOKA with the wish of taking on a challenge in a new environment.
High-quality communication is born by respecting individual characteristics and supplementing each other
Six months has passed since the opening (* as of the time of interview), and we are still experiencing such busy times that we are obliged to restrict entry to the store. From 70% to 80% of customers are from abroad at weekends, and sometimes I serve about three to four customers at once. We try to answer the needs of customers by mutually supporting other staff members, not only in such busy times, but also on a regular basis. In the HOKA store, there are many customers with abundant knowledge who are in search of specialized shoes suited for running and trekking on trail (mountain path) and road (paved road). Studying about products and other things is essential on a daily basis in order to satisfy such customers. There are also strong fashion needs, based on the location of the store in Harajuku, and I also check the information transmitted from influencers overseas so that I can give advice that also considers the trends. When I am asked questions by the customers like “I am looking for this kind of product, but which one is recommended?” or “Which product is popular now?”, I feel that I am relied on. It is one of the best moments when I hear about the ordinary fashion and style of the customer in detail, and am able to find a perfect pair of shoes that the customer really liked.
With the unswerving mind I fostered through the experiences of boxing and Self-Defense Force, I would like to enliven HOKA Harajuku even more in the future. I am also thinking of trying to work as a manager in the future. If this becomes true, I want to become a leader who can push individual staff members forward so that they can work with self confidence, rather than saying “Follow me!”
My favorite pair of shoes
The sole of these shoes is Vibram. I love every feature of this pair of shoes, which is a bit hard, grippy, and prevents weariness so is highly functional, as well as the tech-taste design of having an accent color in a simple tone. I like them so much that I have worn them every day since I purchased them six months ago.
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