We asked three new graduates who joined Element Rule about the company, their work,
We interviewed him about himself!

I thought a new company would provide an environment where I could take on new challenges.

-For those of you who joined the company as new graduates, please tell us what motivated you to join.

Fukataki (hereafter referred to as "Fuka"): When I thought about what kind of work I wanted to do, I thought that apparel would be the best fit, as I've always loved clothes. I looked at a variety of places, from major apparel companies to select shops, but I ultimately decided on Element Rule (hereafter referred to as ER) because I loved their clothes and they take manufacturing seriously. After the interview, I felt like I was able to say what I wanted to say, and the interviewer was kind enough to listen to me. I remember that the students taking the interview with me also had a kind atmosphere, and I wanted to work with them.

-The ER brand targets adult women, but did you ever feel a gap between that and your current age?

Fuka: Thinking ahead, it was important to me to find a brand that I could wear for a long time, even after I became an adult. I was looking for a brand that offered the design, quality, and comfort that I could wholeheartedly recommend.

Nakajima (hereinafter referred to as "Naka"): I also chose with a long-term perspective. As I get older, I have been focusing on developing a brand whose products can be worn for a long time and in good condition. However, I actually only applied to one apparel company.

-Why was ER the only apparel company out of all the companies?

Naka: Because it was a newly established company, I felt that it had a good atmosphere and that it would be easy to express my thoughts and ideas, and so I decided that a new company would be a good fit. I expressed these feelings enthusiastically during the interview. The interviewer was kind, which I also found appealing. I originally went to university to obtain a teaching license, but I wanted to work in the apparel industry, so I explained my desire in detail and persuaded my parents. I gave up on obtaining my teaching license in my fourth year and started looking for work. What made me decide to join the company was their approach to proposing sophisticated products that can be used for a long time. I wanted many customers to wear ER products and enrich their daily lives with clothing, so I decided to join the company.

-What did you think, Amemiya-san?

Amemiya (hereafter referred to as "Ame"): To be honest, I wasn't particularly interested in clothes, but I was also thinking ahead. In addition to apparel, I also applied to companies in the bridal, jewelry, and funeral industries.

What made you decide to choose this company?

Ame: I also like the fact that it's a new company. I thought it would be easy for new graduates to take on new challenges. To be honest, I didn't like the idea of ​​doing things that were decided top-down, so I wanted to bring a breath of fresh air to the company. I wasn't nervous during the interview and was able to speak honestly. I think that's another appealing aspect of the company.

Meeting with customers helps me grow

-Please tell us about your job.

Fuka: I'm in charge of the building's member cards. I share with the staff the progress and methods of working towards the target number of acquisitions. I also try to proactively address anything I notice, such as equipment, stock, and inventory. I was initially assigned to the Aoyama store, where I was taught all the basic operations.

-You moved from a street-front store to being assigned to a building, so your working environment changed, right?

Shin: It felt like I was transferred to a completely different brand, with different customer demographics and the way time flows. Because time is limited in a busy store, it's difficult to determine what tasks to prioritize, so I try to watch and imitate the senior staff. I especially try to be thorough in my reporting, communicating, and consulting, and see my work through to the end. To that end, I place great importance on communication between staff. As for customer service, I have more opportunities to serve customers than in a street-level store, so I learn a lot by being able to try things and review them many times in one day. When serving customers, I try not to have any fixed ideas or preconceptions, but to listen carefully to what the customer has to say and then choose and suggest clothes together with them.

-What do you think of Amemiya-san, who is in his third year?

Ame: I'm also in charge of sub-leadership for efforts to acquire tenant membership cards. I didn't have one myself, so I recently got one and actually used it, and realized how good it is. Now I can share my own experience with customers and recommend it to them more easily. I'm also in charge of managing the store's Instagram and following up on products every week (adjusting inventory). When it comes to customer service, I value having fun above all else. Even when things get difficult, I try to think positively and always keep a smile on my face.

-Mr. Nakajima, you also serve as assistant manager.

Naka: I feel that management and training are extremely difficult. In particular, when the store's sales targets weren't being met, I was very worried because I was still inexperienced and didn't have much to offer. However, at times like these, I can rely on my superiors and receive solid advice, so even though it can be difficult, it's more than that because we all prepare together toward our goals, work hard together while having fun, and when we see results, it's very rewarding. Whether it's customer service or work, my job involves interacting with many people, so I want to value "people." In order to value not only customers but also the staff working in the same store, I want to create an environment where we can share our thoughts and opinions, regardless of position or age, and respect each other's opinions, so everyone can feel fulfilled and grow.

-Are there any memorable customer service experiences or stories you had with customers?

Naka: I worked part-time at a store in Osaka, where I'm from, after I joined the company, but I was assigned to a store in Tokyo and moved there. At that store, I happened to meet a customer I'd served while working part-time, and I was really surprised. The customer was also from Osaka, so we hit it off (laughs). The other day, that customer told me, "I can trust you because you don't force me to recommend things, and you tell me what really suits me," and that made me realize once again that this is what makes my job rewarding, and I'm glad I'm doing this job. It made me want to increase the number of customers who feel this way!

Fuka: I also remember the first customer I met being very memorable. This customer, who had been using our online store until now, came to our store for the first time and said, "The store is nice too." We became good friends after that, and even after I was transferred, he continued to visit my new Shinjuku store, and I'm happy that he always says, "It was fun." After serving him, he asks me when I'll be working and says, "I hope to serve you again," so I really feel glad that I chose this job.

Ame: The first customer I served after transferring to my current store was, with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in her body shape making it difficult to choose the right size, but she said, "I want to try on everything you recommend," and tried on dozens of items. She was the first customer I was able to build a relationship of trust with, so she made a big impression on me. She was older than me, but I was happy that we were able to build a relationship of trust that transcended generations.

Moving forward with a goal

-Is there anything you would like to try in the future?

Ame: I have participated in the Adastria Group's customer service role-playing competition "SSC" twice so far. I was very disappointed with my bronze last time, so I would like to hone my customer service skills in-store and try again next year. At the competition, the judges give specific feedback, so I keep that in mind and focus on my daily customer service.

Naka: My current goal is to increase the number of new customers for the store. Beyond that, I want to improve my skills and work in the web industry. I'd like to learn more about the specifics of the job little by little and take on the challenge.

Fuka: For me, my goals are to improve my skills as a professional salesperson and increase the number of customers. I still lack both knowledge and customer service skills, so I would like to study and become a professional salesperson. The staff at the select shop in my hometown of Niigata have an incredible amount of knowledge and information, and talking to them makes me trust them and makes me want to wear the clothes they recommend. I would like to become a salesperson like that, and work hard so that people will want to come back to the store and want this staff member to serve them. (Bronze: 2nd place)

I want to achieve my dreams together in a kind and warm company

-Finally, a message

Fuka: As far as I know, most of the staff are kind, and that's the kind of company we are. I really feel that ER has an environment where you can "cherish the customer and put them first." There is a deep awareness that all work is connected to the customer, and I think it's a wonderful company culture. For those of you looking at this page, if there is something you want to do or are interested in, I hope you will actively talk to those around you and give it a try. I would be happy if you choose ER. I'm looking forward to the day we can work together!

Ame: I know there are a lot of things to be anxious about when job hunting and choosing a company, but I think you'll find ER even more exciting! Let's move forward together with our goals!

Naka: Thank you for choosing ER from among the many companies out there! Whether you're looking to start working in a new environment or are currently struggling, we hope you'll have fun and gain as many experiences as possible! The staff at ER are all really kind, and they'll watch over you as you grow and provide you with solid guidance. I think one of the charms of this company is that everyone is fun to work with! I'd be delighted if we could work together!