Takashimaya and Onward Holdings are collaborating to promote an "omni-channel strategy" that combines brick-and-mortar stores with online shopping. They recently announced the introduction of tablet-based customer service at Takashimaya. Takashimaya is accelerating its "omni-channel strategy" as one of its sales force enhancement measures, while Onward Holdings has been working toward omni-channelization, introducing the "Onward Members" brand-wide point card system and building a new e-commerce platform. This joint project was planned against the backdrop of the current fashion market, where the expansion of e-commerce and the widespread use of smartphones have led to an increase in consumers shopping both at brick-and-mortar stores and online shops. As a specific initiative, tablet PCs will be installed in Onward Kashiyama stores, including 23ku, Kumikyoku, ICB, Jiyuku, and J.Press (women's), located at Takashimaya Shinjuku and Takashimaya Yokohama, starting September 9th. The fashion online shopping site "Select Square," run by a Takashimaya group company, is linked to Onward Holdings' e-commerce inventory, allowing customers to purchase products that are not available in stores or that are out of stock through these devices.

This "tablet customer service" was trialed at some Takashimaya stores this summer. After it was determined that there was sufficient demand, it has now been officially introduced. It is scheduled to be introduced at other Takashimaya stores from next spring.