Eclectic Japanese variety store Tokyu Hands is planning to roll out beyond Japan, eyeing southeast Asia first.

Tokyu Hands president Shinji Sakaki said the company plans Singapore and Malaysia for the first retail locations in southeast Asia.

“Southeast Asia has high business potential, and we will start with small stores,” said Sakaki, adding that the company has carried out market research across the region.

Tokyu Hands opened first store in China inside Shanghai’s Mei Long Zhen Isetan department store in April. Sakaki said that China store has generated better-than-expected sales on its first months of operation.

Part of the Tokyu Group, Tokyu Hands opened its first store in 1976 in Shibuya, Japan. Tokyu Hands got its start as a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) store, hence the logo with 2 hands, and the emphasis on crafts and materials for projects.

The chain sells homewares, DIY equipment, crafting goods, kitchenware, stationery and gifts.

GB