Lagardère Travel Retail has entered Japan’s travel retail market after inaugurating a first store at Tokyo Station – a major railway hub – this week (03 August).

Occupying an 105sq m space at the newly opened North Entrance, which serves commuter, long-haul and Shinkansen (high-speed) rail lines, the ‘Made in Pierre Hermé’ retail and F&B concept is the first of several planned launches between Lagardère Travel Retail and Pierre Hermé’.

Tokyo Station handles half a million daily departures and is one of the busiest railway stations in Japan.

LOCALLY SOURCED GOODS

Eudes Fabre, Chief Executive Officer for North Asia at Lagardère Travel Retail, said: “We are very pleased to successfully launch this outstanding brand in Tokyo Station and grateful to our partners at Pierre Hermé and the East Japan Railway Company for their support in turning this vision into reality.

“We believe this is the beginning of a strong partnership and we expect this first step in Japan will create new opportunities for Lagardère and its partners in this exciting market which has attractive growth prospects.”

The contemporary store presents products such as prepared and pre-packaged food, speciality drinks, branded gift and retail items, plus creative and novel recipes from different prefectures of Japan.

It is inspired by a collaboration between world-renowned pâtissier Pierre Hermé and manufacturers of haute gastronomy and produce in the country.

In turn, Made in Pierre Hermé retains strong support for local agriculture while promoting artisanal food production and sustainable sourcing practices.

This aligns with Lagardère Travel Retail’s CSR strategy, by showcasing its commitment to local and ethically sourced products across its network.

The Tokyo station concept strengthens Pierre Hermé’s brand presence in Japan where it houses a flagship boutique in the bustling Marunouchi district.

A rotating product assortment will appeal to commuters, local and foreign visitors and neighbouring office workers.

Richard Ledu, Chief Executive Office at Pierre Hermé Paris Japon added: “Pierre Hermé has been present in Japan for over 20 years, and it is part of our mission to help French companies with internationally recognised know-how to develop here.

“There are significant synergies between Pierre Hermé and Lagardère so this is a fantastic opportunity with further openings already planned.”