What: Polène opens in Osaka’s Hankyu Umeda and Tokyo’s Ginza Six, leveraging department store partnerships and innovative design to engage VIP and international clients.

Why it is important: The expansion demonstrates how selective international growth and local cultural integration can drive relevance and appeal in key luxury markets.

Polène is accelerating its international expansion with new stores in Osaka’s prestigious Hankyu Umeda and Tokyo’s Ginza Six, reinforcing its position in the Japanese luxury market. By partnering with leading department stores, Polène is able to access VIP and international clientele, aligning with the evolving role of department stores as luxury gateways and innovation hubs in Asia. The brand’s store concepts blend French craftsmanship with local Japanese cultural references, featuring artisanal displays, upcycled materials, and immersive design elements that highlight both heritage and innovation. This approach not only differentiates Polène in a competitive market but also resonates with discerning customers seeking authenticity and experiential retail. The expansion into high-profile locations in Japan, alongside upcoming openings in Singapore, the US, Dubai, and Vienna, illustrates Polène’s commitment to selective, culturally integrated growth and its rising appeal among global luxury consumers.

IADS Notes: Polène’s rapid expansion in Japan, with new stores in Osaka’s Hankyu Umeda and Tokyo’s Ginza Six, exemplifies the brand’s selective international growth strategy and the rising importance of the Japanese luxury market. This approach mirrors Polène’s recent European expansion, where the brand has prioritised design-conscious markets and experiential retail, supported by L Catterton’s investment and a commitment to craftsmanship rooted in its Andalusian ateliers. The integration of Polène into prestigious department stores like Le Bon Marché and Hankyu Umeda aligns with the retailer’s ambition to attract VIP and international clients. This strategy is consistent with global retail trends, as leading brands and department stores invest in immersive environments, sustainability, and curated experiences to drive growth and cross-market relevance.

Hankuy Umeda and Ginza Six welcome Polène - French