We will shine a spotlight on the people of Otemachi, Marunouchi, and Yurakucho, andunravel the present, past, and future of these "towns."
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Brooks Brothers continues to protect its brilliance in Marunouchi, a “Gemstones box” filled with top-notch products.

Brooks Brothers Marunouchi
Manager Yusuke Ban

Brooks Brothers is America's oldest Apparel brand. Since its founding in 1818, the company has maintained American traditional style and created items that are now commonplace, such as button-down shirts. The store opened in Marunouchi BRICK SQUARE in 2009. Mr. Bansan worked as the store manager when it opened and continues to carry on the tradition and pass it on to the next generation as the store manager. We asked him about the affinity between Marunouchi and Brooks Brothers, and the changes and charm of the city that he has been able to see because he is in the position of preserving tradition.

We provide higher quality Service because of Marunouchi, where diverse needs are required.

Mr. Ban joined Brooks Brothers in 2000 and has worked at the Futakotamagawa store and Shinjuku Isetan store, as well as experience as an area manager. After gaining experience in a wide range of stores, from street level stores to department stores, I am currently the manager of the Marunouchi store.

``I had a strong admiration for Brooks Brothers ever since I was a student.When I wasn't in class, I would use my money from my Time Zone job to go buy shirts.The staff I worked for at the time were very impressed with everything from the way they dressed to the way they behaved.'' My motivation for joining the company was because it looked cool and I felt strongly that I wanted to work here. Even after more than 20 years of working there, I still feel that the long history that Brooks Brothers has maintained is a precious thing that money cannot buy. It is a very attractive job to be able to pass on the history of such brands and empathize with our customers.”

One of the appeals of Brooks Brothers' fans is that they can receive the same high-quality Service at any store. In particular, the Marunouchi store, which has a full lineup, is more conscious of its Service.

``Our Marunouchi store is located in one of Japan's leading business districts, and we often have customers from all over the country with great expectations, and the age range ranges from teenagers to people in their 70s. Some customers have a variety of needs, such as those who feel nostalgic about their blazer and buy it again, and students who visit with their parents.Therefore, regardless of age, we quickly determine what customers are really looking for and choose the most suitable product. I try to be able to make suggestions, and I feel that the staff at the Marunouchi store are particularly adept at this."

The similarities between Marunouchi and New York that can only be felt at Brooks Brothers

Brooks Brothers opened in its current location in 2009. Mr. Ban, who was also working as a store manager at the time, can feel the changes in the city.

``Back then, it still had a strong impression of being a business district, so suits were the most popular men's clothing.Recently, with the spread of telework following the coronavirus pandemic, an increasing number of customers preferred casual attire. Tane.In the past, the basement floor with formal items was crowded, but recently, especially on weekends, the casual Fashion floor on the first floor has become crowded.I think this has something to do with the diversification of ways to enjoy the city. Masu".

Although Marunouchi is a business district, it is also full of Fashion and Restaurant, making it enjoyable for people of all ages. They also feel that this has something in common with New York, USA, where Brooks Brothers has its head office.

“Although Marunouchi is lined with office buildings, there is greenery such as Hibiya Park and the Imperial Palace, and Nakadori is also home to seasonal Events and many Shops that can only be found here.I also felt this when I went to New York. However, although it is a cutting-edge business town, it has a landscape that is in harmony with nature, and it feels like it is a first-class place for both business and entertainment, which makes visitors excited. , Marunouchi and New York are very similar. I think that's why Marunouchi and Brooks Brothers have such an affinity."

To continue to shine in the “Gemstones box” of Marunouchi

Mr. Ban describes Marunouchi as ``like a Gemstones box.''

``There are many Apparel and select Shops that carry products that can only be found here, cafes are particular about the beans and tea leaves they use, and Restaurant have a luxurious feel that makes you want to stretch your legs a bit.I think this is a city where you can find top-notch products.''

In this city full of many charms, Brooks Brothers is one of the "Gemstones" that shines brightly. In order to continue to shine, he says that he would like to continue taking on new challenges that meet the needs of customers while preserving tradition.

``For example, order Service is one of them.Now that there are fewer opportunities to wear suits and shirts, we want customers to wear something special and feel glamorous.We have a wide range of fabrics available. You can choose details such as buttons and lining, and we will make the material, pattern, style, and size to suit your preferences.You can also order individual items such as just the jacket or just the shirt.From 2021, women's We have started taking orders for dresses, and they have been very well received by customers who have purchased them so far, as well as customers who work in the surrounding area.In the future, we will also start taking orders for women's dresses, so we hope you will use them for any occasion. Masu".

Also, as a store manager, I have the following goals.

``Just as I admired the staff before joining the company, I also feel that nothing would make me happier than being able to become someone that the younger generation admires. Customer Service is also one of the attractions of our products, so they buy our products.'' So, I want to continue to work hard to continue to shine, both as a staff member and as a store."

Text: Emiko HishiyamaPhoto: Natsuaki YoshidaEdit: TOKYO GRAFFITI