A must-see for bicyclists. What is the appeal of American-made bags and custom orders proposed by Timbuktu?
A bag brand established in San Francisco, USA, in 1989.TIMBUK2. The wide variety of products created for messengers are solid yet functional. Last December, the long-awaited flagship store opened in Harajuku. The shop carries the brand's full lineup and is equipped with "FACTORY2," which allows customers to place custom orders over the Internet. We spoke with Patti Cazzato, CEO, and Brandon McCarthy, Merchandising Manager, who visited Japan from their home country, to learn more about the store and its full range of products.
The first flagship store in Japan, clothed in the atmosphere of San Francisco .
Based in San Francisco, a city where many bicyclists come and go, Timbuk2 has been expanding its business globally. As a pioneer of messenger bags, Timbuk2 has been producing quality products that combine minimalist design with superior durability for about 30 years. The flagship store "TIMBUK2 TOKYO," which opened in Harajuku last year, offers a full lineup of the brand's products as well as limited items that can only be obtained here.
In addition, "TIMBUK2 TOKYO" has a full-scale customization space "FACTORY2" just like in the home country. Customers can select a base model from the Internet, and then actually see and touch dozens of fabrics and colorings to create their own original from among hundreds of choices. The speed with which you can receive your order is also very nice, as it takes only about 2 to 3 weeks from the time you place your order. The fact that the product is produced in the U.S., which has continued since the company's establishment, also whets the appetite for things. We asked Patti Cazzato, CEO, and Brandon McCarthy, Merchandising Manager, to talk about the appeal of "Timbuktu" and its consistent mindset towards its users.
Timbuktu's thoroughness.
What is the purpose of your visit to Japan?
patty (e.g. beef). The main purpose was to hold a sales meeting in Japan. We invited our international partners to that meeting and had a session about future developments. . We also wanted to give them another opportunity to get acquainted with our flagship store, which opened in Japan last year. . We wanted to gather all the partners to come to Japan right after the opening, but it was difficult to schedule the meeting, so it had to be held at this time. The sales meeting was held over two days, where we analyzed the needs of users and talked about how to improve the merchandising. Timbuktu is a global lifestyle brand, and we are progressing to have 30 existing stores around the world by the end of this year. Australia will be the newest country to join the project. We also discussed the products for next year's spring/summer season. We are pleased to introduce this flagship store to our partners from Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.
. Why did you choose to open a store in Harajuku, the fashion district?
patty (e.g. beef). This is my first visit to this store myself. However, I have been to Tokyo many times, so I have known about Harajuku for a long time. . This area is one of the most famous fashion towns in the world and offers a wide variety of inspirations. I think there is a crossover of goods and things, and new things are being created one after another. . Designers also always have their antennae up in Harajuku. From this perspective, we have set up our flagship store in Harajuku. From here, we would like to introduce the charm of "Timbuktu" to Japanese users.
Among various bag brands, Timbuk2 focuses on custom orders, right? What is your focus?
patty (e.g. beef)We take pride in making bags in San Francisco . From the brand's inception, we have been making bags by hand after listening to the needs of our customers in a squeaky clean manner. From that point on, the custom-order DNA of "Timbuktu" was probably established. The founder, Rob Honeycutt, was making bags in a small garage. . Even as the brand grew and set up larger offices, a factory capable of producing bags was built right next door. This kind of bag brand is hard to find anywhere else in the world. . That is why we are able to deliver bags to our customers quickly after receiving their orders.
What are your plans for products for the Fall/Winter 2018 season?
patty (e.g. beef)What I would like to draw your attention to the most is the collaboration item with illustrator Dave Ortiz. The staff of Timbuktu went to art school with Dave, and we were friends with him, so we made an offer to him. After many discussions with him, we are releasing bags and bottle cases made of a paper bag-like material with a unique wrinkled texture, which has never been seen before, so please look forward to them.
What is your vision for the future?
patty (e.g. beef)We would like to aim to connect closely with our users from a global perspective. . In the future, we would like to further increase the number of directly managed stores in various locations and grow our e-commerce site as well. . We have recently renewed our online store, making it easier for customers to browse. We hope that many people in Japan will become familiar with Timbuktu products.
Brandon, what is your role in Timbuktu?
Brandon.As Global Merchandising Manager, I am in charge of product planning and production of products worldwide .
Where do you draw inspiration for the wide variety of Timbuktu products?
Brandon.We are influenced by the places we have traveled around the world and analyze business data from our directly owned stores while creating our bags. The upcoming season will feature an exclusive Dave Ortiz collection as well as high-end bags in leather and canvas and a collection focused on travel.
. Have you not made travel bags before?
Brandon.In recent years, people all over the world are connecting online due to the spread of social networking services. . Such a situation has made people more familiar with foreign countries than before. Based on such analysis, we are increasing the number of variations of travel bags from the next season.
Brandon , what is your impression of the Japanese fashion scene?
Brandon.I have always loved Japanese fashion brands, and I get very inspired when I come to Japan. Harajuku in particular has its own unique street culture. Harajuku in particular is rooted in its own street culture, which is a great reference for me when creating products.
. on custom-order models and collaborative items with Dave Ortiz.
Custom Dart Tote ¥24,500+TAX～
This is an order-only model that can be customized over the Internet. Customers can choose from three types of fabrics with reflector prints: satin, sail close, and poplin, and order strap specifications, coloring, and embroidery by heat transfer. Inside, it also features space for small items and a PC sleeve, so it can be used on and off the job.
Paper bag pack ¥15,000+TAX
. a collaboration with illustrator Dave Ortiz to be released for the Fall/Winter 2018 season. Reflecting the thoughts of Dave, a native New Yorker, in his products, this collection features items that are a current interpretation of the brown paper bag. The backpacks are made of lightweight, durable Typec fabric , and feature a liner inside that can be removed to create a knapsack. The inside liner can be removed to use it as a knapsack , and the main body can be used as a tote bag. Reflectors, essential for cyclists, are applied to the logo and pull string.
Lunch bag ¥5,800+TAX
12 oz. koozie ¥3,500+TAX
The lunch bag has a magnetic and Velcro closure, and features a strap and zipper pocket on the back for attaching to a belt or bike. A koozie that can keep a 12-ounce bottle warm or cold, made of the same material, will also be available Summer 2018.
TIMBUK2 TOKYO
Address: 6-7-14 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6419-7381 timbuk2.com
