On May 20, Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings will launch a new initiative in collaboration with Makuake, operated by CyberAgent Crowdfunding, utilizing the in-store display space at the Isetan Shinjuku Main Store. The project, which involves Isetan Mitsukoshi and Makuake collaborating to create "products and services for women, men, and families," focuses on apparel, general merchandise, and services. Backers are invited to support the project through investments, following the typical crowdfunding model. "By collaborating with a department store, we're able to experience the actual products and projects in a brick-and-mortar store, and this is the first time that project organizers have had the opportunity to see the backers in person," said Taiyo Onishi, President and Executive Officer of Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings. "Isetan Shinjuku Main Store, which aims to become a global fashion museum, boasts approximately 25 million visitors annually. By providing fashion-conscious customers with a platform to see, touch, and try out online products and projects through crowdfunding, we hope to contribute to the development of creators," said a staff member.

The crowdfunding campaign will begin on May 20th, with prototype products to be exhibited at the Isetan Shinjuku store from August 26th, and in-store sales will also be considered depending on the project.

Isetan Mitsukoshi HD's medium-term group vision is to "fuse the online and offline" and has set a goal of increasing e-commerce sales from 10.5 billion yen in fiscal 2015 (3.5 billion yen in sales excluding gifts) to 30 billion yen in fiscal 2018 (21.5 billion yen in sales excluding gifts), and expectations are high for this crowdfunding project as part of an important strategy to utilize the group's resources and draw out its potential.