What we think is cool and what we like is the same.
. How did you establish Nepenthes in Hakata, starting in a place that is not very busy?
Matsumoto:There are many different brands at Nepenthes, including Needles, Engineered Garments, and South 2 West 8, to name a few. We have always operated with the feeling that we are a select store. As is the case in Tokyo and Osaka, each store has developed its own style. Of course, we have chosen what kind of items to stock, but we have also tried to create a distinctive "Nepenthes" style in terms of how to layer and wear the items.
This is a piece from "REBUILD by NEEDLES" designed to commemorate the 10th anniversary. The "M-51 Arctic Over Pant" series of the U.S. Armed Forces was reprinted from the early archives and incorporated into the "C.P. JACKET," a standard model. The patchwork is all assorted, making this a one-of-a-kind item. ¥96,800
This is the "H.D. PANT" made in the same way as the above jacket. The back zip adds a decorative touch, and the silhouette can be adjusted. The stencil-printed papillon motif and "Needles" graphic are also cool. ¥31,900
CREW NECK SWEAT" and "ZIPPED SWEAT PANT" by 〈REBUILD by NEEDLES〉, which are patchwork-style pieces of "Army Sweat" of the French Army. They are also available in assorted colors. The gradation created by the different tones of fabrics makes this item unique. Coordinate this item with the set-up. Crewneck sweatshirt ¥31,900 , sweat pants ¥31,900
So that's how it gradually caught on with the customers.
Matsumoto:At first, fans of the brand came to the store. . At the time, "Engineered Garments" was particularly popular. From there, we gradually increased the number of "Nepenthes" fans by steadily communicating with customers.
Do you communicate with the local community?
Matsumoto:There is a lot of communication, such as being kind to people you know at restaurants. . We are conscious of this kind of interaction. We go out for lunch to a nearby restaurant, or have dinner together after work, and so on. By connecting with the community in this way, a deep relationship is created.
. It is not something that can be done overnight.
Matsumoto:Yes, that's right. In the beginning, the store was not well known, and I think people in the community looked at us strangely. That is why we have been doing our best to keep going.
What is the one thing that did not change while there were so many changes?
Matsumoto: What we think is cool and what we like have not changed. I think that is why we have been able to communicate our style to our customers in a persuasive manner. Some of our customers are pleased to hear us say, "I can still wear the clothes I bought long ago. I think this is the reason why customers continue to visit us regularly even after many years have passed.
It would be easy for one person to do it alone, but this restaurant has a staff full of unique personalities. It is also important to work together as a team, isn't it?
Matsumoto:Yes, that's right. Naturally, we have a staff that has come together because they love "Nepenthes". On the other hand, we have a wide age range. I think that is an advantage, but it could also be a big disadvantage if we make a mistake. . Therefore, I am especially conscious of communicating with the staff. We all share what we like, including music and movies, not to mention clothes. By discussing these things, we build a common understanding of what is good and what is not good together with the staff.
. So, that's why I feel a sense of unity in spite of everyone's individuality.
Matsumoto:. We also discuss with everyone while looking at the collections each season. This changes our purchases and the style we propose for the store. I believe that a sense of unity is created because this is how we all work together to create the store. This is one of the strengths of "NEPENTHES HAKATA. Of course, the items are attractive, but more than that, people buy our products because they trust us. In a sense, this is a natural part of running a store, but I am proud that we have built a strong relationship with our customers.
This item was created in collaboration with "Tacomahuji Records" to commemorate the 10th anniversary. The graphic design is superb, with the two companies' well-known logos blending together without any sense of incongruity. The font of the letters on the top and bottom is also unique. The fact that it is available in 10 colors to commemorate the 10th anniversary is also interesting. ¥7,040
