Keio Department Store in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is making headlines not only for its innovative approach to improving operational efficiency with the integration of the creative management tool 'AdFlow,' but also for hosting the much-anticipated 'Spring Hokkaido Fair' from March 25 to April 8, 2025. This event is notable for its extensive array of unique offerings and delicious food items that showcase the culinary delights of Hokkaido.
Running daily from 10:00 to 20:00 and until 17:00 on the final day, the 'Spring Hokkaido Fair' has become a staple event for the department store, attracting large crowds eager to explore local delicacies. With over 80 types of sweets and a variety of bento boxes, this spring occasion aims to celebrate Hokkaido's rich gastronomic heritage, drawing visitors from far and wide. In fact, this fair is well-regarded as one of the top events hosted by Keio Department Store, noted for its impressive scale and diversity, holding twice a year in alignment with the changing seasons.
This year, attendees can look forward to tasting delightful frozen treats such as various parfaits, soft serve ice cream, and gelato, with many vendors debuting their offerings. The fair will feature iconic sweets like the 'Jersey Milk Parfait' from the renowned shop LeTao, priced at 1296 yen, and the 'Sakura Soft Crepe' by milk san at 1350 yen. Additionally, all eyes will be on Secoma's brand new Croissant priced at only 216 yen, marking its first appearance in the event.
Beyond just sweets, the fair is also spotlighting several gourmet bento options that reflect the opulence of Hokkaido's bounty. Some highlights include the luxurious 'Three Kinds of Crab Comparison and Botan Shrimp Luxurious Bento' from Restaurant Umi no Ya, priced at 3888 yen, showcasing the premium seafood available from the region. Other delectable choices include an array of bento boxes featuring crab and scallop assortments, ensuring there is something to satisfy every palate.
Alongside this vibrant fair, Keio Department Store has been focused on efficiency improvements in its creative operations to better serve its customers. In 2020, the store adopted 'AdFlow,' a cloud-based creative production management tool developed by Creators Match. This innovative system is designed to streamline the workflow of creative production, allowing the team to manage an impressive volume of production work—up to 150 new creatives monthly for their EC site—more effectively.
Prior to the implementation of 'AdFlow,' Keio Department Store faced challenges in production due to the cumbersome nature of traditional communication methods, such as emails and phone calls. According to a spokesperson for Creators Match, "The introduction of AdFlow has streamlined production and reduced correction errors," highlighting the tool's significant impact on the store's operational flow. By providing real-time visualization of the production progress and simplifying processes for team collaboration, 'AdFlow' has alleviated the burdens of communication errors and allowed creative staff to focus more on their work rather than on logistics.
Notably, 'AdFlow' has seen widespread adoption within various industries, with a user base of around 160,000 and a clientele that includes major companies like NTT Docomo and Japan HP. The benefits realized by Keio Department Store reflect a broader trend within the retail sector towards utilizing technology to improve customer experiences.
The 'Spring Hokkaido Fair' is more than just an event for Keio Department Store; it's an embodiment of the store's commitment to blending innovation in operations with exceptional customer engagement strategies. By leveraging tools like 'AdFlow' to manage their workload more effectively, Keio is positioning itself to continue to provide outstanding value to its customers as they explore the gourmet offerings from Hokkaido.
As the fair progresses, visitors can expect an ever-changing lineup of vendors and special offerings, designed to keep the experience fresh and exciting. Keio Department Store's dedication to enhancing the purchasing experience through innovative methods and delicious culinary events like the 'Spring Hokkaido Fair' ensures its place as a beloved destination in Tokyo.