COUNTERWORKS Joins Japan Retailers Association to Innovate Commerce Infrastructure

COUNTERWORKS Joins Japan Retailers Association

In a significant step to reshape the retail landscape, COUNTERWORKS, a leading company in digitalizing commercial real estate, has recently announced its membership as an auxiliary member of the Japan Retailers Association (JRA). Based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, and led by CEO Naoki Sanpei, COUNTERWORKS aims to foster innovative infrastructures that can address the changing dynamics of the retail market.

About Japan Retailers Association

The Japan Retailers Association, established in May 1978, is dedicated to the sustainable growth of the domestic retail sector, ultimately contributing to the improvement of the quality of life for Japanese citizens. The association was formed with the involvement of notable bodies such as the Japan Department Store Association and the Japan Chain Store Association, working together to tackle issues that are common across the retail industry, regardless of size or type.

The JRA actively engages in various activities that promote interaction between member companies, advocacy towards government policies, international networking, overseas visits, and organizing forums and lectures. Furthermore, it provides comprehensive information on both domestic and international retail markets.

A noteworthy aspect of the JRA’s operation is the inclusion of specialized committees, such as the CIO Research Committee and the Business Administration Committee, which focus on key themes affecting the industry, including digital transformation and human resource development.

Membership Motive

The landscape of retail has seen drastic shifts in recent years, with physical stores evolving beyond mere sales points. They now serve as vital touchpoints for consumers, fostering deeper connections between brands and communities. However, the industry faces numerous hurdles such as labor shortages, increasing operational costs, and the need for innovative customer engagement strategies.

In this context, the digital transformation of pop-up events, leasing processes, and store activations has garnered attention as effective means to rejuvenate in-store experiences. COUNTERWORKS has been at the forefront of this movement, providing support through its pop-up store platform, “Shop Counter”, and its commercial leasing DX system, “Shop Counter Enterprise”, which digitalizes various operations involved in leasing and helps reduce the burden on retail staff.

By joining the Japan Retailers Association, COUNTERWORKS hopes to strengthen its connections with a wide array of enterprises and organizations within the retail sector. Additionally, the firm aims to share its expertise in space utilization and leasing digital transformations, enhancing the possibilities of physical store operations into the future.

About Shop Counter

The “Shop Counter” platform allows easy online reservations for diverse retail spaces intended for pop-up stores, exhibitions, and events. Users can find and book locations ranging from shopping centers to office buildings, and even studios by the end of March 2026, it is projected to have facilitated nearly 87,000 tenant bookings representing various sectors including apparel and lifestyle services. Visit Shop Counter

About Shop Counter Enterprise

Designed specifically for commercial facilities, the “Shop Counter Enterprise” is a SaaS-based leasing DX system that helps commercial spaces advertise available tenants while managing inquiries and operational productivity. To date, over 1,500 commercial establishments employ this system, benefiting from ongoing feature updates and improvements. Learn more about Shop Counter Enterprise

Company Overview

Company Name: COUNTERWORKS Co., Ltd.
Location: 7-22-17 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 8F TOC Building
CEO: Naoki Sanpei
Business Activities: Planning, development, and operation of “Shop Counter” and “Shop Counter Enterprise”
Capital: ¥654 million (including capital reserve)
Website: COUNTERWORKS