ReCute's Innovative Hair Iron Rental Launch
On February 1, 2026, ReCute will establish hair iron rental spots in three major shopping destinations: Lalaport TOKYO-BAY, Lalaport Tachikawa Tachihi, and Alca Kit Kinshicho. This initiative marks the first of its kind for the widely popular Lalaport brand, showcasing the company's commitment to enhancing customer convenience and experiences in bustling commercial areas.
Background of the Initiative
ReCute has set forth a mission to "make beauty accessible as infrastructure". By installing hair iron rental stations in urban spaces such as stations and shopping centers, they empower individuals to maintain their hair style on-the-go without hassle. Lalaport TOKYO-BAY is one of Japan's largest shopping centers, serving a diverse clientele and offering a holistic shopping and dining experience. Meanwhile, Lalaport Tachikawa Tachihi is nestled in a lush setting perfect for casual outings and family activities. Additionally, Alca Kit Kinshicho benefits from its proximity to transportation, making it an ideal destination for everyday and special events.
Addressing the Needs of Modern Shoppers
The demand for convenience in grooming is ever-growing, and approximately 80% of users surveyed at existing ReCute locations cited the service as their primary reason for visiting the venue. Moreover, over half of these customers reported making purchases or dining at the same time, demonstrating the correlation between beauty services and retail engagement.
ReCute helps create new reasons for customers to visit these shopping centers. The chance to groom oneself on-the-go makes outings more enjoyable and less stressful. Customers voiced the need for a space that allows them to look their best without interrupting their plans.
Service Details
The ReCute rental service will be located in the following areas:
- - Lalaport TOKYO-BAY: Women’s restrooms on the third floor next to Kojima × Bic Camera (2 units installed)
- - Lalaport Tachikawa Tachihi: Women's restroom on the second floor
- - Alca Kit Kinshicho: Women’s restroom on the second and third floors
Pricing Structure
Users can rent a hair iron for 385 yen for the first 10 minutes, with additional minutes costing 33 yen. Monthly subscribers can access up to 15 minutes for free, with an additional 55 yen charged afterward.
Equipment Provided
Lalaport TOKYO-BAY will offer:
- - ReFa Beautec Straight Iron
- - ReFa Beautec Curl Iron (32mm)
At Lalaport Tachikawa Tachihi, users can access the KINUJO 2-WAY Iron (26mm), while Alca Kit Kinshicho will offer the ReFa Beautec Curl Iron (32mm) and Straight Iron.
Simplified Usage Process
To access the service, users must follow these steps:
1. Open the ReCute app to locate the nearest station.
2. Scan the QR code at the chosen spot to unlock the hair iron.
3. Capture and send a photo of the used equipment for return and automatic payment processing.
Vision for Future Expansion
ReCute aims to expand to 3,500 locations nationwide while exploring new ventures beyond hair iron rentals, such as developing beauty platforms within powder rooms and crafting skin care brands aligned with user insights. By collaborating with commercial facilities, they aspire to enhance the overall value of customer experiences and contribute to their mission of making beauty a norm in everyday life.
Comments from Stakeholders
Mitsui Fudosan Commercial Management commented on their initiative to create more than just retail spaces, prioritizing enriching customer experiences. With the addition of ReCute’s services, they aim to provide customers with greater comfort and freedom in their personal grooming, paving the way for enhanced satisfaction during visits.
CEO of ReCute, Moeka Yamashita, emphasized their goal to provide everybody an opportunity to feel confident while enjoying their surroundings. The collaboration with prominent shopping venues in the Tokyo area not only serves as a breakthrough for ReCute, but it also establishes a foundation for future initiatives that promote personal grooming on a larger scale.
Company Overviews
- CEO: Moeka Yamashita
- Tokyo, Minato-ku, Aoyama 2-5-17, POLA Aoyama Building, 5th Floor
- Established: April 2, 2024
- Primary service: Hair iron rental spot operation
- - Mitsui Fudosan Commercial Management
- CEO: Osamu Obayashi
- Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Nihonbashi Hamacho 2-31-1, Hamacho Center Building
- Established: January 13, 1970
- Primary service: Management and operation of commercial facilities
For inquiries about ReCute, visit their official page
here.