HOUYHNHNM

FEATURE | What kind of bags do buyers at select stores prefer from Affecta?

afecta meets URBAN RESEARCH

1211_2_aa_010_1
1211_2_beaming_beams_2
1211_2_aa_092_3
1211_2_aa_111_4
1211_2_aa_129_5

Interview With Buyers

1211_2_aa_151_6

Yusuke Sato
She has been working as a store staff since she was a university student and joined the company upon graduation, and has been working as a buyer for "Urban Research" since 2012. In addition to buying, he is also involved in original planning and special order planning.

Bags should be simple and minimalist in function and design.

What kind of functionality and design do you look for in a bag for everyday use?

Sato.To be honest, I personally think that anything that is too functional and beautiful is too much of a to-match. Even if it has too many pockets, I often find it difficult to use it.... Functional items may be easier to use when going camping, for example, but for everyday use, I think simple items are more convenient.

What do you think about the design?

Sato.The design is the same. I prefer minimalism to excessive decoration. This is because I am not a person who uses a lot of colors in my daily coordination. So I tend to use black, navy, and earth-toned bags, and I don't use flashy colors.

1211_2_aa_156_7

What kind of bags do you usually use?

Sato.Many of the bags are large enough to hold A4 or other materials. My job is to go to exhibitions of various brands to make purchases, so there are many cases where I receive materials for clothes there. Another characteristic of our work is that we travel a lot. Therefore, I often use bags that are convenient to carry.

I see. If the bag is too big, it will be difficult to move around.

Sato.Yes, I do. I keep my own luggage to a minimum, and the rest is usually something with enough capacity to hold my materials. So I probably don't use a large bag very often. If I do, it is for business trips.

1211_2_aa_209_8

What will that minimum baggage be?

Sato.This is about all I need for work: a document holder, a memo, a card case, a PC, and a book to read while traveling. Since I visit many exhibition sites in a day, my bag is sometimes stuffed with materials in the evening. I carry an eco-bag for such occasions and put bulky items in it.

Gap between the look of the item and the price.

1211_2_aa_157_9

As a buyer for Urban Research, what do you keep in mind when buying bags?

Sato.I try to identify the characteristics of the bag, or rather, what are the strongest points of the bag? I try to find out what is the strongest point of the bag. There are so many different brands. It is no good to have only brands that have the same characteristics, so I try to find a balance with the store's lineup and compensate for what is lacking, or introduce new bags that are unique. This is what I think about when I am buying.

What do you consider to be the strong points of "Affecta" bags?

Sato.First of all, I would say that they are just right in terms of functionality. This may overlap with what I said earlier, but "Affecta" has a lineup of many items suitable for everyday use. The same can be said for the number of pockets and capacity.

1211_2_aa_170_10

Sato.The design is also simple and minimalist. For example, the polyester used for this bag has a fine-grained weave, giving it a beautiful impression. The design has no unnecessary assertiveness, and the brand logo is discreetly visible. Therefore, this bag goes well with fashionable styling, and of course it is also suitable for business scenes. It is a very easy-to-use item.

What is the actual reaction in stores?

Sato.It's very good. Many people pick it up for the same reasons I just mentioned, and "Affecta" is very cost-effective. This 3-way bag costs 12,000 yen. Most people are surprised by the gap between the item's appearance and the price. There is no other brand with a similar production background that offers such a reasonable price. I think that's why it's easy for customers to get their hands on them.

When I work, this bag is all I need.

1211_2_aa_175_11

The sub-compartment is for frequently used items. A memo, a pen, a wallet, etc. for work. Even though it is a sub compartment, the gussets are firm enough to hold even thicker luggage.

1211_2_aa_180_12

The other sub-compartment holds books to read on the move and clean-up gear for shoes. You can also put anything that did not fit into the main compartment here.

What are the features of the item with regard to this 3-way bag?

Sato.At first glance, there are not many pockets, but there are two layers of compartments, and the sub-compartment is divided into two rooms on the left and right, with several small pockets inside. So you can put your smallest luggage here.

1211_2_aa_185_13

As you can see, the main compartment has dividers so that documents and materials used for work can be sorted and stored separately. One of the advantages of this bag is that it has a large opening with a secure zipper to the side.

The main compartment is also easy to use with dividers.

Sato.Yes, there is a sleeve for a PC, and documents can be easily sorted inside. This is a great feature for me, as I carry a lot of documents with me. Also, the fabric is durable, so it can be used with some hardship in the city, and I am glad that I don't have to worry about the contents getting wet if it rains a little.

The "3-way" feature may be one of its charms.

Sato.The ability to use it as a backpack, shoulder bag, or briefcase is one of the appeals of this product, as I think customers would be happy to have more choices. It can be used in various ways depending on the occasion.

1211_2_aa_139_14

If you were to use it yourself, what kind of situation would you envision?

Sato.It can be used not only for visiting exhibitions, but also for business trips and business meetings where you wear a set-up. When I am working, this bag is all I need (laughs).

A 3-way specification that responds to every scene and style.

1211_2_aa_192_15

afecta MF-12J ¥12,000+TAX (Urban Research Jinnan Store)

This 3-way bag is made of taut polyester material. It can be used in three ways, as a backpack, shoulder bag, or briefcase, and switching to each style is easy. The solid design without excessive decoration matches the business scene where suits are worn.

afecta
Phone: 06-6450-8165

B:MING LIFE STORE by BEAMS Cocoon City
2F Cocoon 2, Cocoon City, 4-263-1 Yoshiki-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama
Phone: 048-788-1130
www.beams.co.jp/bming

Urban Research Jinnan Store
Address: 1-14-5 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6455-1971
www.urban-research.com

    • Add this entry to Hatena Bookmarks

Page Top