This past Tuesday, November 11, Tower Records Japan launched the first in what is expected to be an extensive chain of smaller format shops in Japan. Operating under the name "Tower Mini," the new stores are going to be about one-tenth the size of standard locations and carry about 20% of the product, mainly focusing on new releases and the existing catalogs of popular Japanese and western artists. Location-wise, the company is targeting spots in or around train stations and will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, allowing the shops to cater more easily to students and workers both on their way to and from school or the office. On week-ends, store hours will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tower already has 78 locations in major commercial areas around Japan. The smaller stores are expected to allow the company to expand more easily, filling in gaps not served in otherwise saturated areas.
The
first shop is located in the Keio underground mall area of Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.
