マルスター2024 丸の内商店会おもてなしマイスター Members Introduction

Marunouchi.com

Marunouchi Shopping AssociationOmotenashi Meister?What is

Starting with the 11th Marunouchi Customer Service Role-Playing Contest in 2023, the top winners of the contest will be awarded the title of "Marunouchi Shopping Association Hospitality Meister (commonly known as Marustar)." As a Marustar, they will be required to participate in various Events and activities in the Marunouchi, Yurakucho, and Otemachi Area for one year and help with PR activities as an influencer.

This time, we will introduce the eight people who placed in the top ranks of the 12th Marunouchi Customer Service Role-Playing Contest in 2024 and were selected as Marustars. We asked them to introduce the stores where they work, their impressions of the contest, customer service, and more.

Members Introduction

  • We care about our customers and our products
    • Please tell us about the characteristics of the Marunouchi store.

      CABaN is a brand that was launched in 2018 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Tomorrowland.
      The owner himself took the helm and the launch took two years of planning.
      We offer simple and playful clothing and goods that bring out the individuality of the wearer regardless of gender, age or nationality. The Marunouchi store is the largest in Tokyo, and is proud to offer a wider lineup of products to customers, with an interior mix of imported and original items.

    • Please tell us your thoughts on participating in (and winning) the role-playing contest.

      I received an Excellence Award the last time I participated, so I came into this competition hoping to win an even bigger award.
      I never thought I would win so I'm really just surprised.
      I don't think I received this award through my own efforts, but through the support of my support team, my fellow trainees, my teachers, and everyone at the store.
      It was also published in the company's internal Information, so I was happy to receive congratulatory messages from various people.

    • Please tell us about a memorable experience you had with a customer.

      I received a call from a customer while I was handling an order.
      The customer wanted a jacket on sale, and we were able to secure the item, but when it came time to deliver it, we realized that the delivery address was in an area where it would take about three days from the time of shipment, and that the jacket was made of cotton linen, which wrinkles easily. We remembered the customer's voice on the phone, who was very happy that we had the item in stock, so we took great care in delivering the item.
      A few days later, I received a message from the customer thanking me for the careful communication and packaging. I was relieved to have been able to deliver the item to the customer in good condition, and it made me realize that since I can't see the customer's face, I want to carefully consider what I can do for them.

    • What does Marunouchi mean to you?

      To me, Marunouchi is an image of a relaxed, adult town. When I was younger, I didn't understand its good points, but now I feel like my age is catching up with me.
      I like the location of Marunouchi-Nakadori Ave.. That's partly because CABaN is located on Nakadori, but also because the greenery of the trees lining the street is beautiful and you can feel the four seasons, and when a nice breeze blows into the store, I feel really glad that I can work here.

    • Why did you choose the hospitality industry?

      I love Fashion, and originally I joined Tomorrowland because I wanted to work in Apparel production. I started out by working in retail stores, and before I knew it, 16 years had passed.
      Right now, the shop is the most fun.

    • What's your latest obsession?

      It's about writing daily notes, like a picture diary.
      I continued doing it from the end of high school until I started working, but then I somehow stopped.
      I recently started reading it again, as I thought it would be a good way to organize my thoughts.

  • Forging ahead on my own path
    • Please tell us about the characteristics of the Marunouchi store.

      BEAMS HOUSE is a store based on the concept of being "Shops for adults who have their own style and actively enjoy Fashion and Lifestyle."
      Although BEAMS HOUSE store format itself can be found in other areas, I think that the Marunouchi store truly embodies this concept.

    • Please tell us your thoughts on participating in (and winning) the role-playing contest.

      Well, third time's the charm... but we won a special prize two years ago and came in second place last year.
      I feel that winning this year's competition was a culmination of my participation in the Marunouchi Role Playing Contest.
      Also, before I took on the challenge myself, there weren't that many challenges from other Beams stores in the same Marunouchi area, but since last year the number has gradually increased, so I hope to continue to make it popular next year and beyond.

    • Please tell us about a memorable experience you had with a customer.

      I have had a wide variety of experiences, but I have realized that every single interaction with a customer who comes to see me is special.
      They take the time out of their busy schedules to come to our store and plan the day and time for this special occasion.
      I feel so grateful for nothing.
      I'm sorry, I don't have any specific episodes.

    • What does Marunouchi mean to you?

      Before I joined Beams Dress Clothing, I had no connection to the place at all.
      For me, it was a place that was very out of my league, and I always dreamed of going there.
      Having spent roughly two and a half years at the Marunouchi store, I have found it to be much warmer and more comfortable than I expected.
      It's a strange place that has both a high level of accessibility and a comfortable atmosphere.
      Nakadori has a theme park feel to it, and I think you can have a great time just walking around, so I would encourage everyone to walk from one end to the other.

    • Why did you choose the hospitality industry?

      When I was a university student, I was involved in student wrestling, but I had to give up due to an injury.
      I started thinking about what I could be passionate about and got a part-time job at an American casual wear store, and that was the start of my career in clothing.
      It was my first time working in full-fledged customer service, but I really enjoyed it, so I continued working at the store until it closed.
      When the store manager at the time was leaving the store, he told me, "Iguchi, I think you should seriously try your hand at Apparel sales."
      I originally studied to be a teacher but those words stuck in my mind and made me want to seriously try working in customer service.

    • What's your latest obsession?

      It's more like my life's work than my current obsession, but I've loved pro wrestling for more than half my life.
      This photo was taken in April when we gathered volunteers from the store and went to watch a match at the sacred ground of Korakuen Hall.

  • Let us help you find the one you're looking for

    Mr. Yasuki Yamazaki

    • Please tell us about the characteristics of the Marunouchi store.

      A place where you can encounter and experience carefully selected wines from around the world and find the one that is destined for you. We have tasted most of the wines we carry, so we are sure to introduce you to the one that is destined for you.

    • Please tell us your thoughts on participating in (and winning) the role-playing contest.

      As this was my second time participating, the expectations of those around me to win the championship for the second time in a row were heavy and I felt a lot of pressure. However, I was able to show my growth over the past year and feel that I have grown as a player. My juniors were also competing, but I still can't afford to lose.

    • Please tell us about a memorable experience you had with a customer.

      I was told, "I buy wine from you because your customer service, the atmosphere, and the appeal of your products are valuable." It is very difficult to choose the perfect wine for everyone, but I am really happy when they are pleased with it.

    • What does Marunouchi mean to you?

      I love the scenery of Nakadori, which changes color with the seasons. Time flows slowly and beautifully here, just like champagne.

    • Why did you choose the hospitality industry?

      I wanted to directly convey the appeal of wine to customers. Explaining products while incorporating my own thoughts and experiences is Daigomi of working in the customer service industry.

    • What's your latest obsession?

      Winery tours. In September, I went to California and visited some of my favorite wineries.

  • Providing inspiration
    • Please tell us about the characteristics of the Marunouchi store.

      As a flagship store BEAUTY&YOUTH UNITED ARROWS MARUNOUCHI carries a wide variety of brands and products and is very much worth seeing.
      Each staff member has excellent customer Service skills and everyone works while enjoying fashion, making this a charming store!
      What I like about my store is that we can see Nakadori street from the large windows inside the store. We can see seasonal Events, and both customers and staff can enjoy the view outside while looking at the clothes!

    • Please tell us your thoughts on participating in (and winning) the role-playing contest.

      I felt both joy and regret.
      I am really happy and honored to come second. However, I had been working towards the goal of winning right up until the day of the event, so I am disappointed that I fell just short. I will take this result to heart and continue to grow step by step so that I can provide the kind of customer service that impresses the customers who visit our store every day. I would like to grow even more and participate in the role-playing tournament again next year!

    • Please tell us about a memorable experience you had with a customer.

      Previously, when a customer was planning to purchase a shirt in store but it was heavily wrinkled, we asked the customer if they were planning to wear it anytime soon, and then suggested they purchase it from our online store. The reason for this was that in this particular case, we felt that we could deliver an item in better condition to the customer from our online store stock, since the item had not been tried on. As a result, the customer was satisfied and pleased.
      I was very grateful to receive a thank you letter later.
      This episode made me realize that as I continue to work in the service industry, I want to continue interacting with customers every day with the following thoughts in mind: Are customers satisfied? Does it enrich their lives?

    • What does Marunouchi mean to you?

      To me, Marunouchi is a city where you can experience both tension and relaxation, and my favorite place is Nakadori.
      On weekdays, there are many office workers and the town has a naturally upright atmosphere, but on weekends, it is bustling with families and couples, creating a relaxed atmosphere. I love Nakadori because you can experience different atmospheres on weekdays and weekends!

    • Why did you choose the hospitality industry?

      Because we want to enrich our customers' lives through our service!

    • What's your latest obsession?

      I love watching European soccer! I mainly watch the English Premier League and the Spanish La Liga.
      I buy and read soccer magazines that come out several times a month, and then I watch up to 7 to 8 games over the course of a few days!
      I often watch it after childcare or housework, so I try not to become sleep-deprived!

  • Customer service that you will remember when you wear it
    • Please tell us about the characteristics of the Marunouchi store.

      The store is characterized by its bright and open interior and its wide selection of various domestic and international brands and original products.
      It is scheduled to reopen in September 2024, creating an even more enjoyable shopping space.

    • Please tell us your thoughts on participating in (and winning) the role-playing contest.

      As this was my first time participating in a role-playing contest, I was filled with anxiety and nervousness, but I decided to participate with the hope of absorbing as much as possible that I could use in my daily customer service skills.
      I'm glad I was able to give back to the store members who supported me so much until the day of the event.

    • Please tell us about a memorable experience you had with a customer.

      We once had a customer who was about to start living in Vietnam due to her husband's work, and she came to our store to do her final shopping in Japan.
      This was her first time living abroad, and she said she was worried about her future life, such as whether she would be able to take care of her clothes in the same way as she does in Japan.
      We suggested and purchased items that were easy to care for and uplifting to help them feel a little more positive about their new home abroad.
      I was very happy when he said, "I'll definitely come again when I return to Japan."
      It has been more than six months since that customer visited us, but I still sometimes think back and wonder if that customer is having a good time in Vietnam.

    • What does Marunouchi mean to you?

      For me, Marunouchi is a city I love and it excites me every day.
      By meeting and talking with customers of a wide range of ages and with a variety of experiences, I am able to learn about unknown worlds and receive excitement from my customers every day.
      The view of the evening sky from the large window in the shop is my favorite spectacular view!

    • Why did you choose the hospitality industry?

      Ever since my club activities and part-time jobs in school, I've always loved the moments when my own actions contributed to someone else's happiness.
      I wanted to do something I loved, so I tried my hand at working in the customer service industry.

    • What's your latest obsession?

      My current obsession is Shine Muscat grapes.
      I suddenly became addicted to it this fall, and recently I've been bringing it from home and enjoying it as a snack during my breaks!

  • We will serve you with the utmost hospitality!
    • Please tell us about the characteristics of the Marunouchi store.

      Morton's is Steakhouse where you can enjoy aged American beef, but steaks aren't the only thing they're particular about!
      There is also a large selection of American wines.
      At our Marunouchi store, we always have about 500 different types of wine in stock, so you're sure to find your favorite, from famous wines to rare items.
      We hope you enjoy the delicious pairing of steak and carefully selected wine.

    • Please tell us your thoughts on participating in (and winning) the role-playing contest.

      This was our second time participating following last year, and we are extremely happy and honored to come in second place for the second year in a row.
      To be honest, I was aiming to win this year but fell just short. It was a very educational contest that left me feeling disappointed and made me aware of my shortcomings and weaknesses.
      The real challenge is serving customers on a daily basis, so I use my experience from contests to provide Service satisfies customers.

    • Please tell us about a memorable experience you had with a customer.

      In preparing for this year's role-playing contest, my colleagues and superiors at the store helped me practice, but what was particularly meaningful and memorable was that actual Morton's customers also helped me practice.
      When I told this customer that I would be participating in a role-playing game again this year, he was very supportive and volunteered to act as a guest during practice.
      Thanks to that, we were able to win second place! I can't express my gratitude enough!

    • What does Marunouchi mean to you?

      Before I started working in Marunouchi, I had the image of it being a fashionable and sophisticated town, but in reality, the streets change with the seasons, and Nakadori Street is a park-like space, so I feel it is a friendly town with many different faces.
      Personally, I recommend Terrace Seats at Morton's except in the middle of summer or winter!
      It faces Nakadori Street, has a great view, and is a space where you can experience something out of the ordinary, so it's very popular!

    • Why did you choose the hospitality industry?

      I have been interested in food since I was little, and studied culinary arts in college.
      During my student days, I had the opportunity to work in customer service as part of my work experience. I found it to be a very rewarding job as I was able to converse directly with customers and see their reactions when they tasted Cuisine.
      Above all, I am very happy when I receive words of gratitude such as "Thank you" or "It was delicious," and at the same time, I feel a sense of accomplishment.
      I chose this job because I wanted to be someone who could not only serve delicious food but also provide memorable customer service!

    • What's your latest obsession?

      I have a cat, and I'm currently obsessed with finding a cat's favorite claw sharpener.
      There are so many different kinds, and I wonder if there are people who like them and dislike them? I'm trying out a lot of different kinds.
      Recently, I've been choosing Japanese-made tools and ones that don't produce much grinding shavings.

  • We provide customer service that puts you in the customer's shoes and makes shopping fun!
    • Please tell us about the characteristics of the Marunouchi store.

      Beams Plus is a brand based on American Men's Wear from the 1940s to 1960s, with the concept of "genuine men's clothing that you can wear for many years and never get tired of." Based on the four axes of "traditional," "work," "Sports," and "military," the brand offers a selection of items that are updated with functional and modern colors and patterns. In particular, Beams Plus Marunouchi will focus on the "traditional" category as its main concept, proposing a sophisticated American traditional style that can be worn in the office and that suits the Marunouchi area.

    • Please tell us your thoughts on participating in (and winning) the role-playing contest.

      First of all, I am honored to receive this award. As someone who mainly works in sales, this makes me very happy, and it reminds me that I need to work harder to be proud of my job as a salesperson.

    • Please tell us about a memorable experience you had with a customer.

      A customer I was showing around developed an interest in clothing, decided to join Beams, and we began working in the same store.

    • What does Marunouchi mean to you?

      I like Nakadori because even though there are lots of people coming and going and many Shops lined up, you can still feel the leisurely pace and relax.

    • Why did you choose the hospitality industry?

      Because I love clothes and people.

    • What's your latest obsession?

      I'm obsessed with collecting and arranging vintage German vases.

  • Always smiling and providing attentive service to our customers!!
    • Please tell us about the characteristics of the Marunouchi store.

      This is the only place in Queensway where you can relax in a private room during your foot course.
      The chairs used are Stressless chairs from Ekornes, which provide a comfortable, enveloping seating experience.
      This is the perfect space to relax and refresh!

    • Please tell us your thoughts on participating in (and winning) the role-playing contest.

      When I heard that I had won third place, I was like, "Whaaat? I can't believe it was me!" I was really surprised. I remember being really nervous because I was the last one to win and everyone was so nice. I thought, "This is the shop!" and I went into the contest with the same mindset as usual.

    • Please tell us about a memorable experience you had with a customer.

      The customer's husband told me that he had a light sleep and kept waking up, so I recommended lavender aroma. When I asked him how it was the next time he visited, he was very happy and said that the scent was soothing and he had been sleeping soundly, so I'm really glad that I recommended it to him.

    • What does Marunouchi mean to you?

      For me, it's a stylish, adult city!
      The illuminations during the Christmas season are especially beautiful and make my heart sparkle every time I see them!

    • Why did you choose the hospitality industry?

      I was originally a customer at Queensway. I loved healing myself, so I chose this job because I wanted to heal others.

    • What's your latest obsession?

      I love cats, so my current hobby is watching all the cat videos I can find. I also have a favorite cat!

Please look forward to future activity reports such as various PR activities in the Marunouchi, Yurakucho, and Otemachi Area ♪