Interview by William Chan
Tiffany Lifestyle, a Japanese themed “gachapon and super convenience store”* in Zape, officially opened on September 28, its operation manager Yamanaka Tetsuya told the Post recently in an exclusive interview in the store.
Tiffany Lifestyle is located opposite the campus of Macao Polytechnic University (MPU).
Yamanaka, an ethnic Japanese who grew up in Macau, works for China Star Entertainment Group which opened Tiffany Lifestyle. He described himself as a Japanese anime enthusiast, with the goal of introducing anime and gachapon attractions to Macau for the public’s enjoyment.
Describing the store as an entertainment hub, Yamanaka mentioned that it offers various amusement facilities such as claw machines for toys, capsule toy dispensers, a beverage kiosk, a beer booth, and a convenience store selling Japanese food and items to cater to customers of all ages. Additionally, the venue provides sticker photo booths and costume services, as well as a resting space aiming to make customers stay longer.
Yamanaka and his team have incorporated a variety of elements into Tiffany Lifestyle with the aim of attracting families and teenage groups to spend their time there. They observed that such large, multi-purpose stores are scarce in Macau. “Here, we provide numerous facilities to encourage visitors to linger and engage actively rather than just to passively window shop. We believe that offering interactive experiences is crucial for a successful business model in today’s market,” remarked Yamanaka.
Yamanaka underlined that Zape boasts several tourist attractions like the Grand Prix Museum and Golden Lotus Square, in addition to being situated across from a university. However, the area has long lacked an entertainment venue. “Adjacent to Tiffany Lifestyle, our company also operates a dim sum restaurant and a café offering fusion cuisine to cater to varying preferences of visitors, including families, enabling people of different ages to spend their time diversely,” he said.
On the second floor, the store features live streaming e-commerce where Macau souvenirs are sold. “Streaming e-commerce is a novel concept in Macau, although it’s already quite popular in the mainland. Upon placing an order, we ensure immediate delivery, even for items as simple as a box of dried pork. This way, those interested can purchase and try our products without physically visiting Macau. We extend the same service for selected Japanese goods as well,” he noted.
Yamanaka emphasised the importance of a physical store offering a distinctive experience that online stores cannot replicate, aiming to establish a comfortable shopping environment akin to an attraction site. “Certainly, pricing is also crucial. We frequently source cost-effective products from Japan and incorporate popular items identified through market research to enhance our competitiveness and strive for affordability,” Yamanaka said.
*Gachapon is a type of vending machine that dispenses capsule toys, popular in Japan and other parts of Asia. The term combines “gacha,” which is the sound of the machine’s mechanism, and “pon,” which indicates the sound of the capsule dropping.
A “super convenience store” refers to a retail establishment that combines elements of a convenience store with a wider range of products and services than normal for such a business.
–Source: Poe
Yamanaka Tetsuya (right) and his business partner Tony Ho pose in front of Tiffany Lifestyle in Zape recently. – Photos provided by Yamanaka
This undated photo shows Yamanaka Tetsuya pose next to Gachapon machines.
