Japan's fashion industry will only be half of what it is today if it were not for the existence of the select shops. These select shops are just as the name explains, hold products of different brands, but are selected by the prominent buyers of the store.
From each brand, some will only carry one style, for another they may carry more. Products/brands that do not sell are later replaced by another, and the rotation is strict and rapid. What lies in the center of each department store is the concept.
Each will have their own concept, build their store based on the concept, and procure products around that concept. News everyday is filled with announcements and success of select shops and not only the industry, but the consumers follow this news, because select shops are an inseparable part of Japan's fashion.
One of the prominent select shop, already has 11 lines for men, women, different age levels and for accessories. Still, they will open a new concept store in a basement of the Aoyama area called “Liquor, Women & Tears” The new store will be based on the image of hip hop artists and their formal wear.
Other big time select shops are also working at making new concepts and expanding their network. Strengths of each select shop lies heavily in the hands of the buyers and stylists. These buyers and stylists are features on magazines and are somewhat like a star.
There are often talks about a big-shot buyer quitting one companyand going solo to create a rival select shop and succeed at taking their loyal customers with them. Whatever the inside drama is, the power of these stylists and buyers can influence heavily no only the buying power of the store, but also the sales.
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