Ginza Eikokuya Selected for '2024 Energetic SMEs 300'. Traditional Bespoke Suitmaker Achieves Growth Through 'People-Centered Management'

Ginza Eikokuya Selected for '2024 Energetic SMEs 300'

Kabushiki Kaisha Eikokuya (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Eiki Kobayashi), operator of the long-established bespoke suit brand Ginza Eikokuya, founded in 1940, has announced its selection for the '2024 Energetic SMEs 300' award, designated by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

### About the 'Energetic SMEs 300' This award recognizes SMEs that have successfully adapted to economic changes, challenged themselves with business transformations or new ventures, and are expected to contribute to regional and national economic growth. Ginza Eikokuya was nominated by the Japan Finance Corporation and selected in the 'Growth Strategy and Productivity Improvement' category among four key areas.

### Selection Background: An 'Evolving Traditional Company' Ginza Eikokuya is favored by professionals including executives, physicians, diplomats, and legal experts who prioritize reliability. Facing industry challenges such as labor shortages and shifting values, the company restructured its organization based on 'people-centered management' with three pillars: 'workplace reform,' 'human resources development,' and 'succession of traditional skills.'

### Key Initiatives

1. **Domestic Sewing and Youth Development:** While domestic sewing factories are closing due to aging, the company has achieved efficiency and environmental improvements. As a result, approximately 40% of the group's sewing staff are now in their 30s or younger.

2. **Unique Customer Service System:** The company has fully separated the roles of sales representatives and dedicated fitting technicians, balancing customer experience with productivity.

3. **Workplace Reform:** By introducing 1-on-1 meetings and mentoring systems, the company achieved a 0% turnover rate for employees under three years (as of April 2026). It has maintained and slightly increased sales even with a reduced number of stores.

4. **New Customers and Businesses:** Younger demographics are increasing through website renewals, participation in the 'furusato nozei' (hometown tax) program, and new business ventures.

### Comment from President Eiki Kobayashi 'People-centered management creates long-lasting value rather than short-term profits. I believe that connecting traditional skills to the future and building a company worth working for will strengthen the apparel industry.'

### 'Paradoxical Management Model' In fiscal 2019, the company operated 11 stores with 1.42 billion yen in sales; in fiscal 2025, it evolved to 4 stores with 1.46 billion yen in sales. By significantly reducing store count while increasing sales, the company reduced fixed costs and its break-even point. On May 13, 2026, it consolidated three locations in the Ginza and Toranomon areas into a new flagship store, 'Tokyo Ginza Store,' to focus on creating higher added value.