It was in 2004 that I first met Sabon in New York. It was the West Village store (which now no longer exists). I was walking to a home party in a rush. On the way, something caught my eyes. It was a bunch of pink candles. I love candles! But I had no time… but I love candles. So I walked into the store very quick and remembered it was a store with a lot of beautiful things. I said to myself that I have to come back.
Then it came the opportunity to open in Japan so I tried everything I can to reach out to the people so I can talk to someone. But I was totally rejected…
I googled everything.. I googled Sabon but there were not much information back then. I called, I emailed, I called again. All I have the answer was that they don’t give franchise. I didn’t believe it…… I don’t know why.
So what I can do. Nothing. Anyhow I walk my dog 3 times a day. He likes the Central Park so we always stops by the the store. One day, the girl from the store said, “your dog is soooo cute!!!!” . Oh yes, he is super cute. 🙂 Then we started chatting… and chatting and I told her I love the store and wanted to bring to Japan but having problem talking to someone. Then right on the spot, she called the CEO for me and made an appt. Everything else is history.
Today Sabon has 45+ stores in Japan. Almost everyone knows Sabon in Japan, at least Tokyo.
I was in Sabon til 2018 til we sold to the French company. During my days in Sabon, I did a lot, in the beginning was more with dealing with import Japan regulation, did a lot of window display and branding direction, then I was in charge for store design, event space design, creative direction, pop-up planning and design, branding, styling for photoshoot, so much as I cannot remember…
Today, I used everything I learnt in Sabon and doing bringing other brands to Japan. Although I deal mostly with wholesale and not direct retail store selling anymore, I do miss the stores so one day I think I will do it again.
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My Life with Sabon, between Tel Aviv, Tokyo & New York
