Kurashiki City has many long-established businesses that have been in operation since the Meiji period, and some have been around since the Edo period.
Among the shops we casually pass by every day, there may be some that will one day become long-established businesses.
The "Ganbare! Future Long-established Business Exhibition," held on November 17, 2024 (Sunday), is a market where new businesses that have just started in the Takahashi River basin gather.
I am curious about what kind of shops will be the future long-established businesses.
I spoke with the person in charge about the details of the "Ganbare! Future Long-established Business Exhibition."
What is the "Ganbare! Future Long-established Business Exhibition"?
The "Ganbare! Future Long-established Business Exhibition" is a market that will be held on November 17, 2024 (Sunday).
New businesses that have been established for less than 5 years in the Takahashi River basin and popular local shops that are their predecessors will gather.
Please check the following image for the shops that will be participating.
The seven newly established shops have little experience participating in events, and new encounters with good shops may arise.
Enjoying delicious food is one option, trying out a workshop with family is another, and experiencing esthetic treatments for relaxation is yet another... there seem to be various ways to enjoy the event.
The location will be at the outdoor event square of Ario Kurashiki and Kurashiki Mirai Park. It is also attractive that you can casually stop by while shopping.
Interview with the Person in Charge
I interviewed Matsui Kanako from the Kurashiki City Commerce Division and Kataoka Yusuke about the "Ganbare! Future Long-established Business Exhibition."
What kind of event is the "Ganbare! Future Long-established Business Exhibition"?
Kataoka (no honorifics)
The "Ganbare! Future Long-established Business Exhibition" is a market where newly established shops in the Takahashi River basin hold an event together with shops that have extensive experience in participating in events. It has been held continuously since 2015.
Since many of the shops are participating in an event for the first time, I think it will be a market where you can discover new things like, "I didn't know there were such shops."
Matsui (no honorifics)
The keyword "future long-established business" carries the meaning that we hope the newly established shops will continue for a long time to become long-established businesses.
What was the background behind the planning of this event?
Matsui
The Kurashiki City Commerce Division has been providing support for new businesses using subsidies and other means for some time. Among these, the support for participating in events was born as a more concrete support measure for new entrepreneurs.
Newly established shops may have many uncertainties about participating in events. Therefore, a market was planned where new entrepreneurs can learn the know-how of events together with experienced shops.
We want to provide support not just through subsidies, but also to continue supporting entrepreneurship while working alongside the city.
Kataoka
For example, we are working to make it easier for new entrepreneurs to set up shop by eliminating booth fees and holding practical technique workshops like the "Event Booth Seminar". We hope it will be an event that encourages them to take the first step in setting up their business.
What kind of seminar is the "Event Booth Seminar"?
Kataoka
New entrepreneurs who set up at the "Ganbare! Future Old Shops Exhibition" were required to attend the "Event Booth Seminar" organized by the Kurashiki City Commerce Division as a condition for participation.
The Event Booth Seminar is an initiative that started in 2023, where experienced shop owners serve as instructors, teaching participants about product placement that is easy to pick up and how to create eye-catching booths. Many who did not set up at the "Ganbare! Future Old Shops Exhibition" also attended.
I believe it provided very useful knowledge for those who said, "I have no idea what to do at all."
Can you tell us about the feedback from the last event?
Matsui
When we held it in 2023, many people stopped by while shopping, and I often saw families with children.
There were times when it rained heavily, but surprisingly, a large number of people attended, and the entire venue felt lively.
There were also accidents where strong winds blew away products, but we received feedback from new entrepreneurs saying, "We gained experience that we can use in the future on how to prepare and respond in bad weather."
Kataoka
Looking at the surveys from new entrepreneurs, there were many comments saying, "The Event Booth Seminar was very helpful."
Additionally, there were voices saying, "I want to participate in various events in the future", so I think it became an event that leads to the next step for new entrepreneurs.
Are there any highlights or overall features of the event?
Matsui
An event focusing on newly established shops is rare in Okayama Prefecture, making it a unique concept market.
Of course, we want participants to enjoy new encounters with wonderful shops, and we hope to create a market where people who want to support newly established shops gather.
Kataoka
Personally, I think this creates opportunities to become a regular customer. I believe that customers who visit from the early stages of a business will surely leave a lasting impression on the shop.
I hope that during this event, everyone will find a favorite shop that makes them want to become a regular customer.
What kind of impact do you want to have on the community through this event?
Kataoka
For those setting up booths, I would be happy if the "Ganbare! Future Old Shops Exhibition" becomes a new step that leads to the expansion, continuation, and development of their future businesses.
Additionally, I believe there are attendees interested in starting their own businesses. I hope that seeing newly established shops working hard will inspire more people to think, "I want to start my own business too." I would like to see the circle of such people expand.
Matsui
This event will involve the entire Takahashi River basin, so I believe it will foster connections across municipalities and collaboration among entrepreneurs.
I hope it becomes an event that brings together entrepreneurs and customers to energize the entire Takahashi River basin.
Please give a message to the readers.
Kataoka
This event will be a market where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and hands-on workshops, so I would like people of all ages, from children to adults to come and join us.
Please feel free to drop by while shopping at MITSUI OUTLET PARK Kurashiki or Ario Kurashiki.
Also, for entrepreneurs interested in setting up booths, I believe there will be hints for the future, so I hope you will come and visit.
Matsui
I hope you enjoy not only the new encounters with shops but also interacting with the shop owners.
Furthermore, for those who have just started their businesses or are considering starting one, I would be happy if the "Ganbare! Future Old Shops Exhibition" becomes one of the opportunities to participate in events.
I hope you will see the hard work of the entrepreneurs and support them.
Conclusion
I believe that the "Ganbare! Future Old Shops Exhibition" is a market that makes you want to support local entrepreneurs, as the event name suggests. I am also surprised by the city's extensive support system.
Typically, markets end with shopping and dining, but I feel that the "Ganbare! Future Old Shops Exhibition" will make you want to follow up with your favorite shops even after the event is over.
I am looking forward to meeting shops that are participating for the first time. I hope to find shops that I can become a fan of.
This event features stalls that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, so please make sure to visit with your family while out on the weekend or during shopping.
Go for it! Future Long-established Store Exhibition Data
| Name | Go for it! Future Long-established Store Exhibition |
|---|---|
| Date | November 17, 2024 (Sunday) From 10 AM to 4 PM |
| Location | Ario Kurashiki Outdoor Event Square, Kurashiki Mirai Park |
| Homepage | Kurashiki City Commerce Division |
