Exciting Moments from STAFF OF THE YEAR 2025 Press Conference in Tokyo

On October 9, 2023, an engaging press conference was held in Tokyo to announce the upcoming finals of the STAFF OF THE YEAR 2025 customer service contest. The event was hosted by Vannish Standard, a company known for its innovative digital applications for retail staff, and was attended by esteemed judges and special guests including An Mika, Miki Fujimoto, and the duo Cotton Kyōn and Nishimura.

Opening Remarks

Nagakatsu Onosato, the CEO of Vannish Standard, kicked off the press conference by expressing gratitude for the support the event has received over the past five years, stating, "Thanks to the media and many who have resonated with us, we have reached our fifth anniversary. The STAFF OF THE YEAR has significantly contributed to increasing the value of retail staff and the recognition of professionalism in sales roles."

The contest encourages participants to share their outfits and provide online customer service, ultimately narrowing down to 14 finalists based on sales and votes from social media supporters.

Highlights of the Final Stage

One of the most exciting new features introduced for the finals is the 'Before and After Coordination Battle'. Onosato explained, "We wanted to create a moment that most impresses customers – that moment when they feel transformed after receiving styling help." This aspect of the contest promises intense competition as staff aim to deliver remarkable transformation experiences to both attendees and viewers.

Fashion Insights from the Guests

During the press conference, An Mika and Miki Fujimoto took to the stage alongside guests Kyōn and Nishimura. They shared their thoughts on today’s outfit themes related to the STAFF OF THE YEAR. Fujimoto presented an "autumn-inspired outfit," while An Mika wowed the audience with a vibrant dress paired with a stylish scarf and a fringed belt, commenting on the trending colors and styles.

Kyōn and Nishimura followed up, sharing that their outfits were inspired by being invited to a home party hosted by An Mika, who elaborated on how themes guide her clothing choices. She stated, "I often decide on a theme color, which everyone is encouraged to incorporate into their outfits. Today, the theme color is ‘something red.’" This sparked a delightful discussion among the guests about fashion themes and inspirations.

With contributions from finalists Yu-ta (Levis) and Yuka (Opaque Clip), the duo revealed that their fashion choices were intentionally curated to resonate with An Mika's stylish vision while making unique statements of their own.

Memorable Customer Service Experiences

As the press event progressed, a panel discussion unfolded on remarkable customer service experiences. Each guest recounted memorable interactions they’ve had as customers. Fujimoto emphasized the importance of maintaining an appropriate distance while offering assistance when necessary. Nishimura shared a humorous anecdote, while Kyōn recounted an amusing instance of being mistaken for another comedian.

Meanwhile, An Mika reflected on a pivotal moment during her career in Paris when she learned about the significance of matching one’s preferences with suitable styles, leading to a profound trust in staff choices. She humorously noted, "The phrase, ‘there are 200 shades of white,’ derives from experiences like this." The audience erupted in laughter as they recognized the source of her famous quote.

Closing Remarks and Insights

As the press conference came to an end, each guest shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming competition. Fujimoto expressed her nervousness about participating in STAFF OF THE YEAR for the first time, while Kyōn and Nishimura discussed the importance of remaining supportive and friendly during the event.

Inherently, this gathering was not merely a press event but a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and collaboration in customer service, showcasing how uniquely talented individuals can shine when given the opportunity.

This year’s STAFF OF THE YEAR 2025 is sure to encapsulate the essence of extraordinary retail experiences and transformative styling journeys, promising a spectacle no one would want to miss.

Event Details

The STAFF START digital application is designed to support retail staff by enhancing both in-store and online customer engagement, maximizing sales potential through effective strategies. With over 3,000 brands utilizing this service across various sectors, it underscores the need for personalized customer experiences in today’s retail landscape.

For more insights and updates, make sure to follow the journey leading up to the finals of STAFF OF THE YEAR 2025!