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The stylish range of products includes contemporary and traditional tableware, kimono style house robes, jewellery, pictures, kokeshi dolls and ornaments which have a universal appeal due to their vibrant colours and designs. Other more specialist interests are also catered for with beautiful origami (washi) paper, lacquerware, mizuhiki and organic Japanese incense. Consistent with what you might expect in Japan, a FREE gift-wrapping service is available on all orders received through the online shop.
The Company went on to open shops in Harrogate, York and Chester as well as a Head Office distribution facility in Harrogate to service the online shop www.thejapaneseshop.co.uk which was launched in 2003. In addition, the Company also introduced new corporate and wholesale divisions and has won several business awards, including;
2003 Winner, ‘Best Shop of the Year’, sponsored by York Tourism Bureau
Finalist, ‘Retailer of the Year’, sponsored by York Evening Press
2004 Winner, ‘Retailer of the Year’, sponsored by York Evening Press
Winner, ‘Small Business of the Year’, sponsored by York Evening Press
Winner, ‘Overall Business of the Year’, sponsored by York Evening Press
Runner Up, ‘Best Shop of the Year’, sponsored by York Tourism Bureau
Runner Up, ‘Best Website of the Year’, sponsored by York Tourism Bureau
2005 Runner Up, ‘Retailer of the Year’, sponsored by York Evening Press
Runner Up, ‘Best Shop of the Year’, sponsored by York Tourism Bureau
Runner Up, ‘Retailer of the Year’, in the Cheshire Business Awards
2006 Runner Up, in the Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards
2007 Finalist, ‘Retailer of the Year’, sponsored by Progressive Gifts Magazine
2008 Winner, ‘Retailer of the Year’, sponsored by York Evening Press
In September 2008 the ‘credit crunch’, the resulting collapse in the global economy and more specifically the crash in the value of the pound resulted in The Japanese Shop having to substantially restructure. As a consequence, the Company, very regrettably, had to close its shops and now concentrates on the online shop as well as the Corporate and Wholesale divisions. Despite the changes, the ethos of the Company remains the same, passionate about making your experience with The Japanese Shop as interesting and enjoyable as possible.
“Choosing gifts that are stylish, original and affordable can be a most frustrating experience - we hope that our secure online shop will offer you some refreshing new ideas. We are constantly seeking to improve our products and service so if you have any suggestions or comments, or know of someone who would like to receive information from us, please let us know.”
Jez Willard
Co Founder & Managing Director
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