Q.Why did you choose Izawa Towels?
During my job search after graduating, I was hoping to work in sales planning to sell everyday products. I was attracted to the idea of developing products from a consumer perspective, as towels are a commodity that everyone uses every day, and I decided to join the company because I was impressed by the discretion it would give me to sell products that I had planned.
Q. Please tell us about your job duties and challenges.
As towel professionals, we offer suggestions for product lineups that will help your towel section sell even more.
My job involves catching up on a variety of information, such as what's happening in the market right now, what types of towels are selling the best, and what developments are being carried out within the company, while also listening to customer requests and creating the best possible sales floor.
For example, in response to a client's request for "high-quality towels at this price," we create and propose samples while considering factory selection, weaving method, design, etc. In order to achieve our goal of "making towels of global standards," we recognize that a future challenge will be to fully understand the Japanese and overseas markets, and we are currently working toward sales in overseas markets, particularly the United States.
Q. Please tell us what kind of team you work in.
We have a total of five planning and sales groups, including those in Tokyo and Osaka. The planning and sales groups manage everything from product planning to delivery, so they work in cooperation with each department, including logistics, technology development, and quality control.
Q. What is the best part and rewarding part of your job?
Most of our products are manufactured in overseas factories in Asia and Europe, so I find it rewarding to work with people from overseas while experiencing firsthand the global expansion of our business, which is to create global standards. Recently, we have also been making preparations to sell our products overseas, which makes me feel even more that we are building global standards.
Q. Please tell us about any new skills or experiences you have gained at Izawa Towel.
Knowledge about towels. I learned how to instruct the factory on the thickness of the thread, the weaving method, and the dyeing method to make the towels meet the customer's requests. I also learned how to communicate with overseas factories in business, such as how to negotiate with them about production, costs, and quality. At some factories, we communicate in English.
Q. Please tell us what kind of growth environment is available.
Many of our clients are large listed companies, so they have stores all over the country and place large orders. I feel that being able to do business with such companies that are active at the forefront of Japan not only helps me grow, but also helps the entire sales organization and the company grow. I currently hold the position of sales manager, and I feel that the company culture allows young employees to thrive if they have the ability.
Q. Please tell us about your ambitions for the future.
As a leading towel company and a towel professional, I am aware that I am the only one who can deliver the best towels to consumers around the world, and I will work with that in mind.