#Japan #Tokyo #FANCL #Visually Impaired #inclusive beauty

FANCL Launches Comprehensive Training for Staff to Assist Visually Impaired Customers

FANCL, a prominent skincare and cosmetics brand, has announced the introduction of a video training program aimed at enhancing employees' skills in assisting customers with visual impairments. Set to begin in July 2026, the initiative will provide training materials to staff at FANCL's company-owned stores across the nation, excluding a few select locations. This is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive environment in the beauty industry.

Building on Years of Experience

Since 2013, FANCL has been actively conducting beauty seminars designed specifically for individuals with visual impairments. By leveraging insights gained over the past 13 years, the company aims to remove barriers that may prevent visually impaired customers from enjoying skincare and makeup services without hesitation. The upcoming video training will focus on improving staff skills, enabling them to better assist these customers.

A Structured Approach to Training

The training videos will consist of three essential components: a basic overview, skincare, and makeup application segments. Each segment is meticulously designed to provide practical expertise, such as effective communication techniques, safe guidance methods for navigating stores, and strategies for describing colors and finishes verbally. The training content is derived from input gathered from existing staff who routinely interact with visually impaired customers. This collaborative approach ensures that the training is not only informative but also relevant to real-world situations staff may face.

Creating an Inclusive Beauty Experience

FANCL is committed to fostering a shopping environment in which visually impaired customers feel comfortable and empowered to express their beauty preferences. Through the implementation of these training videos, the brand aspires to help these customers feel welcome and valued, thus paving the way for an inclusive beauty experience. This initiative aligns with FANCL's broader goal of supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting a society where everyone can shine and thrive.

Background of Initiatives

Since 1988, FANCL has been dedicated to enhancing community well-being and contributing to a society where everyone can live vibrantly. As a part of this commitment, the company has organized various seminars aimed at empowering individuals, especially those with disabilities. Since 2013, FANCL has hosted seminars specifically for the visually impaired, focusing on equipping participants with the confidence and skills needed to apply makeup independently. This past experience has shaped FANCL’s approach to its current training video initiative, ensuring it meets the needs of visually impaired customers.

Sensory-Sensitive Product Solutions

One innovative solution developed by FANCL is the tactile mark label. These unique labels are designed to assist customers with visual impairments in identifying products by touch. The labels feature raised textures and prominently displayed lettering for ease of use. Customers have the option to place these labels on containers for better recognition, further enhancing their shopping experience. The development of these labels included contributions from visually impaired employees, emphasizing FANCL’s commitment to inclusivity.

Recognition of Efforts

FANCL's efforts in supporting visually impaired individuals have garnered recognition, including the Encouragement Award from the Cabinet Office during the 2019 Barrier-Free and Universal Design Promotion Awards Ceremony. This accolade acknowledges the brand's initiatives, such as the makeup seminars and tactile mark labels, highlighting their significance in promoting inclusivity.

Ultimately, FANCL's ongoing commitment to helping visually impaired customers enjoy beauty services marks a transformative shift in how the beauty industry approaches inclusivity. By training its staff and creating tailored solutions, FANCL is setting a precedent for a more accessible and compassionate shopping experience. The beauty world is evolving, and FANCL is proud to lead the charge, striving to make beauty accessible to all.