#Japan #Tokyo #ABC Mart #Women's Shoes #Staff Project

ABC Mart's Dedicated Approach to Footwear Development

ABC Mart, a prominent footwear retailer with over 1,000 stores nationwide, launched the "ABC STAFF PROJECT" in April 2026. This initiative aims to create shoes designed genuinely for customer comfort, driven by feedback and experiences from the staff who engage with customers daily.

As part of this project, ABC Mart is excited to announce its second installment, featuring four redesigned women's footwear options, including its bestselling loafers and pumps. These shoes have undergone extensive testing and modifications, driven by input from store staff who have truly immersed themselves in understanding how these products perform in real-world scenarios.

The ABC STAFF PROJECT in Detail

The ABC STAFF PROJECT is rooted in the principle that the best insights come from those who wear the shoes. With a focus on innovating and improving ABC Mart’s original products, the project challenges staff across the country to evaluate their comfort and practicality.

For the second phase, the staff examined the sales data and customer feedback to choose four popular items for further development. A standout among them, the No.1 selling bit loafer, was put through rigorous testing, with staff logging an impressive 1 million steps while using these shoes in a retail environment. As a result, they identified issues like discomfort underfoot after extended wear, prompting significant upgrades to the design. The loafers now feature a slightly thicker and more flexible sole that adapts better to foot movement, significantly reducing pain during long hours of use.

The popular knit pumps, initially launched for spring and summer, have now been revamped with warmer materials and an enhanced sole for better stability and cushioning, making them suitable for the fall and winter seasons. Another iteration of the loafers received similar upgrades, addressing the initial comfort concerns while maintaining an elegant appearance. Lastly, the hands-free sneakers, known for their easy wearability, have been re-engineered to improve foot comfort.

Noteworthy Features of the New Footwear

Here’s a closer look at the four newly introduced items from the project:

1. Bit Loafers (Model W5083)

Price: ¥6,050 (tax included)
Available Colors: BLACK, OAK, PINK
Sizes: S (22.5-23.0cm), M (23.5cm), L (24.0cm), XL (24.5-25.0cm)
These loafers have been redesigned to ensure comfort and mitigate foot fatigue during extended wear. By adjusting the sole's thickness and flexibility, the staff aimed to address initial complaints about discomfort and instability, resulting in a stylish model that is versatile for any occasion.

2. Knit Pumps (Model W5082)

Price: ¥6,050 (tax included)
Available Colors: BLACK, GRAY, BURGUNDY
Sizes: S (22.5-23.0cm), M (23.5cm), L (24.0cm), XL (24.5-25.0cm)
Upgraded for the autumn and winter seasons, these knit pumps now feature a more substantial sole and improved design to ensure a secure fit without sacrificing their elegant appearance, perfect for long days.

3. Standard Loafers (Model W5087)

Price: ¥6,050 (tax included)
Available Colors: BLACK, DK. BROWN
Sizes: S (22.5-23.0cm), M (23.5cm), L (24.0cm), XL (24.5-25.0cm)
These loafers are designed to minimize discomfort around the heel and instep while maintaining a chic silhouette suitable for various occasions.

4. Flat-Light Sneakers (Model W1064) (Releases in Mid-September)

Price: ¥7,590 (tax included)
Available Colors: ALL BLACK, OAK, SAGE
Sizes: 22.5cm to 25.0cm (half centimeter increments)
Designed to be worn easily without using hands, these sneakers offer improved heel support and overall fit based on customer feedback.

The Testing Process

The development of these shoes is an extensive four-step process:
Step 1: Selection - Products are chosen based on staff and customer feedback, ranging from classic to trendy styles.
Step 2: Testing - Samples are worn in real-life scenarios by staff to evaluate comfort and usability.
Step 3: Analysis - Collected feedback is thoroughly discussed to inform further improvements.
Step 4: Development and Commercialization** - Shoes that pass all evaluations receive the “Honesty Mark” and are made available to customers.

ABC Mart continues to listen to its dedicated staff and customers, ensuring each product is crafted with care and a commitment to quality footwear. Check out the complete transformation stories from the first to the fourth phase on ABC Mart's official YouTube channel starting August 27th.