Last thoughts on Tokyo

It’s just over a week since we returned to Cape Town, and as I make worried eyes at my ever-lengthening To Do list, our Tokyo trip already it feels like so long ago. So, time for one last look at my photos, with some thoughts thrown in. Thanks for sharing this trip with me, on Instagram, and in your comments on this blog, too.

A little like what I experienced on my first trip to New York City (see the Travel section of my blog), I was so inspired by all aspects of retail in Tokyo. Tiny little shops that manage to be wonderfully full and spacious at once, exquisitely-conceived signage, excellent lighting, air conditioning (yessss!) and friendly touches, like plants and glasses of water and chairs for weary shoppers.

And then, of course, the customer service, which includes money being placed in a small tray, rather than being handed over, and concludes with being accompanied to the door, handed your parcel, and being bowed to while you walk down the road. Even trying on clothes is a remarkable experience, as clothes are carefully removed from hanger, unbuttoned, and formally handed to you, once you’ve taken off your shoes in the changing room.

Very inspiring for a retail lady like me. I want to revamp everything in my shop! But perhaps I could start with a little bit of bowing at the door of the Skinny laMinx shop!

And there I will leave my blog posts about Japan, as there’s LOADS of other exciting news waiting in the wings. Thanks again to everyone who made this trip so awesome, including Lily Strauss and Rumi Nagata, and, of course, my amazing travel companion, Paul Edmunds.

See more pics at Instagram and Flickr, and sign up for my newsletter for news of a little Japan-themed shop event next week.