Hotel Chocolat launches first store in Japan
Chocolatier Hotel Chocolat has opened its first physical store in Japan.
Situated at Aeon Lake Town mall in Tokyo in Japan’s largest shopping centre, the store is part of Hotel Chocolat’s joint venture in the country as it adopts a ‘test, learn, grow’ approach to its entry into the market. The joint venture is being led by Chris Horobin, former chief executive of QVC Japan.
Angus Thirlwell, co-founder and chief executive of Hotel Chocolat, said: “The reaction to Hotel Chocolat in Japan on our first day of trading last week was hugely encouraging.”
Hotel Chocolat revealed that some of the most popular products at the store include hot chocolate drinks, its 8g sculpted chocolate batons, and its Selector range.
Thirlwell added: “Customer engagement, media attention and sales performance were all well ahead of expectations. Our portfolio of products landed with aplomb. We look forward to unfolding the brand further here.”
