The Japanese culture evokes either futuristic efficiency or an admirably stubborn sense of traditionalism. When it comes to the local retail scene, it’s definitely the latter.
Amid the current pandemic, Japan’s resistance to online sales channels spells trouble for international fashion brands who now find themselves unable to leverage e-commerce to the extent that they need. Luxury players are far more dependent on physical retail in Japan than they are elsewhere.
“A lot of people think Japan is ‘advanced,’ but we aren’t there yet in comparison to other countries, especially when you talk about high-end e-commerce,” – Seiko Mbako, co-founder of Tokyo-based consultancy Awa’Tori.
