FamilyMart's Unique Collaboration with Challenged Designers
On May 20, 2025, FamilyMart will introduce an exciting new collection under its original apparel brand, "Convenience Wear," in collaboration with Cross Team. This partnership aims to celebrate creativity and inclusion by showcasing artwork designed by challenged artists who are recognized as "Challenged Designers®". These products will be available at approximately 16,300 FamilyMart locations across Japan.
Empowering Art Through Collaboration
The "Convenience Wear" brand, with a commitment to quality that is encapsulated in its slogan, "Good Materials, Good Techniques, Good Design," was developed in conjunction with renowned fashion designer Hiroshi Ochiai. The Cross Team also shares this vision, striving to facilitate social participation for people with disabilities by creating inspiring designs and art through collaborations with professionals in various fields.
In July of last year, the initial phase of this collaboration resulted in the launch of two types of Imabari towel handkerchiefs. Building on the success of these initial products, the upcoming second phase features designs from a workshop that brought together the Convenience Wear and Cross Team designers to co-create these items, utilizing FamilyMart's corporate colors—blue and green—as central themes. These vibrant designs include patterns of hearts, stripes, flowers, and fruits, showcasing a vivid and strong aesthetic.
New Product Lineup
After approximately nine months of collaborative efforts, this latest collection will introduce not just Imabari towel handkerchiefs but also stylish tote bags and notebooks:
Imabari Towel Handkerchief
- - Price: 637 yen (including tax 700 yen)
- - Release Date: May 20, 2025
- - Details: Crafted by Cross Team, this handkerchief features high absorbency qualities associated with Imabari towels.
- - Patterns: Striped in blue and green, hearts in blue and green, and sunflower designs.
- - Material: 100% cotton.
Printed Tote Bag
- - Price: 1,173 yen (including tax 1,290 yen)
- - Release Date: May 20, 2025
- - Details: This tote bag showcases a striking design by Cross Team.
- - Patterns: Banana and border patterns in blue and green.
- - Material: 100% cotton, with dimensions of 370mm (width) x 405mm (height) and handles measuring 40mm x 700mm.
Soft Ring Notebook A6
- - Price: 400 yen (including tax 440 yen)
- - Release Date: May 20, 2025
- - Details: This notebook features a unique resin soft ring developed by Kokuyo, making it comfortable to use and easy to flip through the pages.
- - Patterns: Includes border and gerbera designs.
Please note that due to the limited quantity, these items may not be available at all locations, and release dates may vary by store.
Comments from Designer Hiroshi Ochiai
Hiroshi Ochiai has expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing collaboration with the Challenged Designers from Cross Team. He attended the collaborative workshop and remarked on being captivated by the dedication of the artists as they created their designs. He hopes that these products will become a part of people's daily lives.
About Cross Team
Cross Team is committed to promoting creativity and social participation among individuals with disabilities, leveraging their unique stories and capabilities to deliver high-quality design. They focus on pushing boundaries through various innovative projects. For more information about their initiatives, visit their website:
Cross Team.
More on FamilyMart
FamilyMart aspires to be an indispensable part of the community, staying connected with customers as a family-oriented convenience store that provides not just products but also strengthens community bonds. Their commitment, captured in the motto "With you, Convenience, FamilyMart," highlights their focus on creating a welcoming space for everyone.
The special features and remarkable stories behind these products reflect FamilyMart's dedication to innovation and inclusivity, making this launch a must-see event for art and fashion enthusiasts alike.