#Japan #Tokyo #COUNTERWORKS #Shop Counter #Retail Spaces

Counterworks Launches New Digital Service for Permanent Retail Spaces

Counterworks, based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, is taking significant strides to digitize commercial real estate with its recently launched beta version of 'Shop Counter Permanent'. This innovative platform aims to revolutionize the leasing process for permanent retail spaces, aiming to bridge the information gap between prospective tenants and facility operators.

Background of the Service Development

The company previously developed a temporary leaser support platform known as 'Shop Counter', which has successfully listed around 80,000 tenants and over 26,000 spaces, resulting in approximately 77,000 transactions. Through this experience, Counterworks identified a strong demand for permanent retail spaces juxtaposed with significant structural barriers that make it challenging to enter the market.

A survey targeting registered tenants revealed that about 50% aimed to establish permanent operations, yet many felt deterred, primarily not by financial constraints but by a lack of clear information or understanding of procedures. Many prospective tenants expressed feelings of exclusion, often citing reasons such as lack of visibility into lease rules, convoluted application processes, and difficulty in connecting with decision-makers. This situation is particularly pronounced among small to medium brands wishing to transition from e-commerce or popup stores to permanent locations, who find it hard to gain access to retail space.

On the flip side, commercial facilities also face challenges, as their tenant-seeking processes remain largely manual and push-based, which limits exposure to new potential tenants. To address this mismatch, Counterworks has leveraged its knowledge from the temporary leasing sector and its commercial facility leasing DX system, 'Shop Counter Enterprise', to develop a solution specifically aimed at facilitating permanent retail space leasing.

Key Features of 'Shop Counter Permanent'

1. Access to Prominent Commercial Locations: The platform publishes information from around 300 high-traffic commercial venues, including Aeon Mall and Marui, granting users unprecedented access to sought-after retail spaces that were previously only available through connections.

2. Early Access to Premises: In collaboration with 'Shop Counter Enterprise' – already implemented in over 1,000 venues – users receive timely updates on unlisted and upcoming retail opportunities, enhancing their competitive edge in securing prime locations.

3. Visibility into Market Demand: A unique waiting list feature allows potential tenants to specify their desired timing and conditions for leasing. This helps property owners gauge latent demand and tailor their outreach accordingly.

4. Bidirectional Matching Features: The platform allows prospective tenants to search for facilities based on their criteria, while also enabling facility owners to scout potential tenants, fostering opportunities for mutual engagement between brands and commercial spaces.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Counterworks plans to enhance user experience by expanding dedicated pages for facilities, providing knowledge content for prospective tenants, and strengthening support features to simplify the previous complexities associated with leasing processes. The beta version of 'Shop Counter Permanent' aims to make previously intimidating permanent space leases more accessible by clarifying and streamlining rules and procedures. This initiative not only promotes diverse tenant representation but also stimulates local economies by facilitating unique brand encounters in commercial spaces.

Inquiries and Further Information

With the launch of the beta version, 'Shop Counter Permanent' is currently open to inquiries for both commercial facilities wishing to advertise their available spaces and prospective tenants exploring permanent leasing options. For commercial facilities looking to list open spaces or recruit tenants, please contact:

• - Business Inquiries: [email protected]
• - Tenant Registration: For brands interested in establishing permanent stores, registration is open, and valuable early access information will continue to be rolled out. Please visit: Shop Counter Permanent.

About Shop Counter

'Shop Counter' is an online platform facilitating reservations for pop-up stores, events, and exhibitions across diverse commercial venues such as shopping malls, supermarkets, and office buildings. By mid-2025, the service will cater to approximately 80,000 tenants across various sectors including apparel, food, and personal services.

About Shop Counter Enterprise

Targeted at commercial facilities, this DX system offers a tenant recruitment site and a management system for inquiries and operations as a SaaS solution. With ongoing updates and enhancements, it supports efficiency improvements in tenant management tasks. Currently, over 1,000 commercial facilities have adopted this solution.

About Counterworks

• - Office Location: 1-8-7 Roppongi, MFPR Roppongi Azabudai Building 9F, Minato-ku, Tokyo.
• - CEO: Naoki Sanbe.
• - Business Purpose: Planning, development, and operation of 'Shop Counter' and 'Shop Counter Enterprise'.
• - Capital: 654 million yen (including capital reserves).
• - Website: Counterworks.