Hachioji welcomes ‘Fuku-chan Reuste’, a reuse hub for kids

REGATE opened the doors of its second “Fuku-chan Reuste” store in Hachioji, Tokyo. The shop is the company’s first foray into the Kanto region, following the success of its original store in Osaka’s Toyonaka district.

What sets “Fuku-chan Reuste” apart is its business model. The store specializes in used children’s items, a sector with a surprising potential for growth. According to a report from the Ministry of the Environment, about 34% of cherished baby and children’s items are passed on for reuse, a much higher figure than seen in other product categories.

However, many owners of these goods often find themselves at a crossroads, struggling to locate suitable recipients or grappling with the complexities of online marketplace apps. REGATE, with its impressive record of purchasing over eight million items under the “FUKU CHAN” brand, has stepped up to solve this problem, offering a platform that connects lightly used children’s goods with the families that need them.

The Hachioji store features an extensive selection of over 3,200 items — from baby strollers and child seats to children’s apparel — and even boasts a dedicated space for kids, complete with a nursing room and diaper changing station. In a novel twist, a “toy weigh-and-pay” booth allows children to get a taste of shopping, instilling early lessons about the value of money and possessions.

In conjunction with its store opening, REGATE has announced a limited-time promotional campaign to kickstart its operations in Tokyo. Yet, the company’s ambitions extend far beyond the boundaries of Hachioji, as it eyes future expansion to areas populated with young families.

As it ventures forward, REGATE aims to foster a shift in consumer behavior, moving away from the idea of mandatory reuse towards a model where reuse becomes enjoyable — a concept they believe will be key in cultivating a sustainable, circular society.