I am back from Japan, and getting ready to post fun goodies for you all–as soon as I get over the jet lag.
In the meantime, here’s a nice article from today’s Daily Hampshire Gazette and The Republican talking about my big adventure. (via)
By SCOTT MERZBACH / Special to The Republican
NORTHAMPTON – For years, Essentials, a shop with locations in Northampton and Amherst, has been selling products made in Japan.
Now the knowledge and experience Sydne Didier has in retailing and wholesaling through both her stores and the website Japanistic is giving her the opportunity to spend a week in Japan.
Didier was in Japan last week at the invitation of the Japan External Trade Organization, or JETRO, which flew her and several other retailers from Canada, New York and Louisiana to the Pacific rim.
“It’s part of an effort to increase Japanese exports to the United States that are not electronics and cars,” Didier said.
The relationship with the trade organization, Didier explained, developed after an interview she completed with a Japanese program.
The Japanistic website has grown in the last year, with more than 1,000 products, ranging from Japanese bento boxes, which are small lunch pails, to stationery, jewelry, water bottles and mugs.
Didier said her store’s mission is always guided by aesthetics. “I had always been attracted to Japanese design; it’s a consistent thread for me,”Didier said.
She expects to tour various production facilities, meet with mayors in small towns and hopes there will be a chance to improve the selection of items for her customers.
“I’m always looking for new products to bring into the store,” Didier said.
Didier said other retailers may also benefit, as the trip could increase opportunities to pool orders and cut down on the costs of shipping.
“I basically want to go in with an open mind and see what opportunities are there,” Didier said. “I hope to stumble upon products that they are not marketing to us.”
Didier will also have time for sightseeing, visiting attractions such as Nara Park, and her son has asked her to bring back Pokemon paraphernalia.
