ChaosThree staff members talk about working as a team.

A wide range of tasks are shared among employees in positions that make the most of their respective backgrounds

-Please tell us about your job and introduce yourself.

Ishiguro (hereinafter referred to as "Ishi"): My job is merchandiser (hereinafter referred to as "MD").ChaosI mainly manage OTB (Open to Buy) for our original products. When it comes to product creation, I work with the designer and my partner, MD Watanabe, who has a wealth of product knowledge. I entered the apparel industry as a new graduate, started in sales, and gained experience as an MD at various companies. At the Adastria Group,BARNYARDSTORMAfter being involved in the launch of the men's collection, he has been working at the current brand for the past two years.ChaosThis leads to...

Watanabe (hereafter referred to as "Watanabe"): I am both MD and VMD. Ishiguro manages the numbers, and I create the product concepts and the background for manufacturing, and then I'm in charge of implementing that in the stores. I also do styling for EC photoshoots. My career so far has started in sales, then moved on to VMD and EC before becoming MD,ChaosI have gained experience in a variety of roles and have come to where I am today.

Yoshida (hereinafter referred to as "Yoshi"): I am the group manager of the store. I manage people, things, space, and overall store operations, and act as a bridge between the store and the head office. I have worked in the apparel industry for 20 years, including for other companies, and during that time I have gained experience in different industries.ChaosI have been working at this company for four years. I first worked as a store manager, then became a manager. In my previous job, I placed emphasis on managing people as a store manager and manager, so I would like to use that experience toChaosI hope I can be of help to you.

A group of specialists with strong brand loyalty and extensive product knowledge

-Chaosis a particularly sensitive brand within Element Rule, but what is the atmosphere like among the team and staff?

Ishi: We embody the "customer creation" that Element Rule values, and we place the utmost importance on customer-centricity and on-site focus. Our team works with this in mind.

-ChaosWhat do the head office staff and store staff have in common and what do they value?

吉：ChaosWhen you are assigned to this company, you will find that both the sales staff and the head office staff all love clothes, have a love for the brand, and are enthusiastic about it, which gives you confidence in that area.

Wataru: Everyone has a strong sense of love and a wealth of knowledge, so I feel like the bonds between the team are strong.

-Please tell us if there are any tricks you use to strike a balance between being particular and being accepted by a wide range of customers.

Yoshi: In both manufacturing and sales, the customer is the most important thing, not just the self-centered one. We make it a point to see things from the customer's perspective.

Creating an ideal store from the customer's perspective while balancing sales

-What about you two MDs? I always see you in long meetings, exchanging opinions, but what kind of value and creations emerge from these meetings?

Wataru: Our main target is fashion-conscious customers in their 40s and 50s, so there are some aspects of materials and design that they are concerned about, and we make adjustments to those points from the customer's perspective until they are satisfied. Even though we sometimes clash with each other, my partner Ishiguro and I consider design, materials, and price, and we value creating products that will not betray our customers' trust.

stone:ChaosItems with strong designs that fans love, and items that are available for the first timeChaosWe are conscious of striking a balance between our popular "masterpieces" that are also supported by customers who purchase our products. While ensuring solid sales with our "masterpieces," we are also working to secure valuable fabrics for our sophisticated items.

Because we are serious about our customers and products, we are a team that can speak our minds

-Please tell us what each of you is doing to improve cooperation between the field and headquarters.

吉：Chaoshas always emphasized "teamwork" as an organizational policy. Even now, we all hold a review once every six months. This is why I believe we are a group with a strong foundation for teamwork, discussion, and cooperation. I also always strive to maintain an open atmosphere, and I sometimes act as a bridge between the field and headquarters, creating an atmosphere where people can speak their minds. Our team has now become like a family.

Ishi: We also have a monthly strategy meeting where we invite all store managers to our headquarters to explain the products we will be rolling out the following month. We are able to meet every month precisely because we don't have multiple stores.ChaosI think it's a good opportunity for the team to communicate.

Wataru: Like myself, many of our buyers and headquarters staff have been transferred here with experience in sales, so we often have the opportunity to speak from the store's perspective. I think this is quite important for communicating effectively with the stores.

-Please tell us again what is good about Element Rules.

Wataru: The proximity to other departments is great. At my previous job, brands were separated by floor, so I didn't have a chance to talk to people in charge of other brands, but at Element Rule, we have an open space with no walls and a free address system, so it's easy to get information about other brands and connect it to your own brand, which I think is an advantage. Another attraction is that it's a clean place where women are active. There are women in managerial positions and some who continue to work after giving birth, so I think it's a company where it's easy to think about the future.

Ishi: After the COVID-19 pandemic, the social working style of coming to work at a fixed time and working overtime is no longer the same as before, but the Element Rules also allow remote work. If you can produce good results, you can make your own time, and I think it's a more comfortable working environment than before.

-lastlyChaosA message to those who are interested in

Ishi: Element Rule is the most particular brand, so if you love clothes, I'd like you to give it a try. As the saying goes, "act before you think," so let's take the first step and do it together! When it comes to social media, younger employees are more adept than older employees, so as a company we welcome them to bring their knowledge and ideas to the table.

W: I want everyone to come, in a good way!ChaosI am confident that you will definitely fall in love with me.

Yoshi: At first, everyone was a beginner and I had no confidence either, but I think if you have the motivation, you'll catch up.Chaoshas many manufacturing specialists, and its sales staff have experience in a variety of stores and have been promoted to store managers. If you want to continue working in fashion, we highly recommend giving it a try!