A paradigm shift in sustainable retail with KISARAZU CONCEPT STORE

Smiles Co. PASS THE BATON is set to make waves in the retail landscape as it brings the “KISARAZU CONCEPT STORE” to life. The store is scheduled to open its doors on June 8 under the aegis of Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

PASS THE BATON is embracing the baton of responsibility in a plethora of ways, overseeing the strategic planning and execution of this initiative. From forming the project concept, designing the digital interface and promotional materials, to managing operations and spearheading public relations – the team is leaving no stone unturned.

What distinguishes the KISARAZU CONCEPT STORE is its dedication to presenting items that have been bypassed by conventional retail outlets, including non-standard items and unsold inventory, colloquially known as deadstock. It puts these items back in the spotlight, crafting a unique shopping experience and simultaneously fostering a conscientious approach to consumerism. The store is a testament to the future of fashion – one that is thoughtful, ecologically sound, and centered around upcycling and novel manufacturing techniques.

The store’s mission extends beyond mere commerce. An entrance fee of 300 yen (free for children in junior high school or younger) is charged, a fraction of which is donated to organizations making strides in addressing social issues.

PASS THE BATON doesn’t embark on this journey alone. They are joined by a triumvirate of partners – manufacturing enterprises providing the products, corporations offering non-product contributions, and the most critical of all, the fashion-loving consumers. Together, they explore and advocate for a new form of circular economy.

A kaleidoscope of initiatives waits within the store’s confines. At the heart of the project is the notion of “Contri” or contribution. The contribution goes beyond the 300 yen entrance fee, encapsulating a part of the proceeds from purchased items. The essence of “Contri” extends to creating a moment of reflection among patrons about fashion’s future trajectory.

The KISARAZU CONCEPT STORE isn’t just a store; it is a giant wardrobe. Customers are encouraged to try on various outfits at the FITTING STUDIO, perhaps discovering a new version of themselves in the process.

The store’s journey into sustainability extends to its café, THE OPEN CAFE. By adopting the principle of “Mottainai,” a Japanese term denoting a sense of regret concerning waste, the café features a menu crafted from ingredients that could have been wasted due to being non-standard.

The FACTORY LAB introduces and showcases the mechanisms driving the creation of this new retail cycle. It demonstrates how surplus merchandise can be given a second life, transforming it into items like fertilizer or fuel through a range of technical processes.

The POP UP STAGE is a platform showcasing the collective efforts of brands committed to environmental consideration. Here, customers will encounter upcycled products and be introduced to unique manufacturing methods. In essence, it offers customers a chance to ponder the current and future state of fashion from diverse angles.

KISARAZU CONCEPT STORE represents a new generation of shopping, balancing consumerism with environmental and social consciousness. This project reimagines the future of fashion, advocating a circular economy that bridges the gap between sustainability and style.