Shimojima

Basic Information

Stock Code
7482
Industry
Wholesale
Category Detail
Textiles, Chemicals & Paper Wholesalers
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
April 1962
Listing Year
December 1995
Official Website
https://www.shimojima.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Other Companies
cotta, Hirakawa Hyutec, Nomura Sangyo, Timco, Kosoku, Hashimoto Sogyo HD, Kyogoku Unyu Shoji

Overview

Shimojima is a leading wholesaler in the packaging materials and office supplies industry, established in 1962, with strengths in directly operated stores and franchise expansion.

Current Situation

Shimojima recorded consolidated sales of approximately 48.1 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 2022, primarily engaged in the wholesale of packaging and office supplies. In its core packaging materials segment, it handles a wide variety of paper products and wrapping supplies, maintaining a stable position in the market. Through directly operated stores and the franchise brand 'Package Plaza,' it has developed a nationwide sales network centered on the Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka areas. In recent years, it has expanded its handling of business-use EC products, contributing to sales growth. On the logistics front, it has established a new logistics base in Hyogo Prefecture to strengthen its efficient distribution system. As part of environmental initiatives, it has obtained ISO 14001 certification and focuses on providing sustainable packaging materials. Moving forward, it aims to improve customer services through the integration of digitalization and traditional analog sales, pursuing medium- to long-term growth. Despite uncertainties such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it continues steady management based on stable trade flows.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Founded in 1920 as the packaging materials wholesaler 'Shimojima Shoten.'
  • Early focus on developing environmentally friendly products like wrapping paper and paper bags.
  • Strong store network in Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka areas, eager for regional expansion.
  • Holds specialized packaging education workshops, demonstrating presence in the industry.
  • Successful collaboration between business-use EC sales and analog sales.
  • Characterized by high environmental awareness through ISO 14001 certification.
  • One of Japan's leading shares as a specialized packaging trading company.
  • Owns logistics subsidiary and has established efficient delivery system.
  • 'Package Plaza' franchise expansion is well-known in the industry.
  • History of handling not only packaging but also stationery and office supplies extensively.

Hidden Connections

  • Plays a key role in supporting EC business growth by utilizing diverse logistics bases.
  • Builds strong networks across multiple industries through packaging culture promotion activities.
  • Closely collaborates with manufacturers in other industries on environmental products.
  • Unique business model with regionally close stores and franchises as dual wheels.
  • Greatly contributes to industry human resource development through packaging technology workshops.
  • Diversifies business across multiple angles to mitigate risks from packaging market fluctuations.
  • Diverse industries among clients, including retail, food service, logistics, and education.
  • Highly evaluated as an advanced environmentally considerate company due to ISO 14001 acquisition.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expanding demand for environmentally friendly packaging materials
  • Increase in business-use EC sales
  • Strengthening integration of analog sales and digital sales
  • Improved delivery efficiency through large-scale logistics bases
  • Penetration and diversification of wrapping culture
  • Expansion of franchise model
  • Growth in store decoration item demand
  • Stable demand in office supplies market
  • Increasing packaging needs from local SMEs
  • Promotion of sustainable material use
  • Strengthening repeats through deepened customer relationships
  • Expansion of high-value-added products in packaging market

Strategic Goals

  • Sustainable packaging materials to account for over 50% of sales
  • Double business-use EC sales from current levels
  • Improve delivery speed through full utilization of new logistics centers
  • Expand Package Plaza FC stores to 150 nationwide
  • Continuous renewal and strengthening of ISO 14001 environmental certification standards
  • Complete hybrid model of digital and analog sales
  • Increase packaging technology workshop participants to over 10,000 annually
  • Promote development of new materials contributing to environmental impact reduction
  • Secure talent by improving employee work environment
  • Conduct over 20 community contribution activities annually

Business Segments

Packaging Materials Wholesale

Overview
Flexibly meets customers' packaging needs through wholesale of diverse packaging materials.
Competitiveness
Sales channel expansion through directly operated and FC stores
Customers
  • Retail Stores
  • Gift Specialty Stores
  • Restaurants
  • Manufacturers
  • Event Companies
  • Logistics Companies
  • EC Operators
  • Trading Companies
  • Department Stores
  • Educational Corporations
  • Public Interest Corporations
  • Government Agencies
Products
  • Paper Bags
  • Paper Boxes
  • Plastic Packaging
  • Gift Seals
  • Ribbons
  • Wrapping Paper
  • Wrapping Supplies
  • Food Packaging
  • Register Bags
  • Packaging Tape
  • Balloons
  • Promotional POPs
  • Packing Materials
  • Packaging Decorations
  • Eco Packaging

Store Decoration Supplies Sales

Overview
Provides wholesale and retail of decoration supplies specialized in store staging.
Competitiveness
Diverse design proposals and rapid delivery capabilities
Customers
  • Retail Businesses
  • Restaurant Chains
  • Department Stores
  • Event Planning Companies
  • Promotional Agencies
  • Trade Show Operators
  • Commercial Facility Managers
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Design Offices
  • Retail Store Owners
Products
  • POP Advertising
  • Display Fixtures
  • Promotional Posters
  • Storefront Signs
  • Banners
  • Seasonal Decorations
  • Flags
  • Storefront Small Items
  • Lighting Fixtures
  • Event Staging Materials

Office Supplies Wholesale

Overview
Supports a wide range of office and school stationery and equipment through wholesale.
Competitiveness
Proposal capabilities to enhance business efficiency and extensive product lineup
Customers
  • Small and Medium Enterprises
  • Educational Corporations
  • Government Agencies
  • Medical Institutions
  • General Office Users
  • Cram Schools
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Freelancers
  • Co-Working Spaces
  • Public Facilities
Products
  • Stationery
  • Office Equipment
  • School Child Supplies
  • Printer Paper
  • Files and Binders
  • OA Equipment Consumables
  • Desk Storage Supplies
  • Calendars
  • Whiteboards
  • Label Seals

Logistics and Delivery Services

Overview
Builds an efficient logistics system to ensure delivery quality and speed.
Competitiveness
Utilization of own logistics centers and advanced management systems
Customers
  • Own Stores
  • Franchise Stores
  • External Logistics Partners
  • Retail Stores
  • EC Operators
  • Food Manufacturers
  • Trading Companies
  • Other Wholesalers
Products
  • Warehouse Storage
  • Delivery Management Services
  • Inventory Management Systems
  • Logistics Consulting
  • Fulfillment
  • Picking Services
  • Packaging Materials Delivery
  • Emergency Delivery Services

Franchise Business

Overview
Supports nationwide expansion of packaging and sundries specialty store 'Package Plaza.'
Competitiveness
Years of operational know-how and extensive product network
Customers
  • Package Plaza Franchisees
  • Retail Operators
  • Local Businesses
  • Entrepreneurs
  • SME Owners
Products
  • Store Operation Support
  • Product Supply
  • Sales Promotion Support
  • Training and Education
  • System Implementation Support

EC Business Support

Overview
Strengthening business-use EC products and expanding online wholesale.
Competitiveness
Forms a strong customer base through collaboration with analog sales
Customers
  • Small and Medium Wholesalers
  • Retail Operators
  • Sole Proprietors
  • Specialty Shops
  • Food and Beverage Businesses
Products
  • Online Sales Platforms
  • Product Catalogs
  • Order Management Systems
  • Logistics Integration Services
  • Customer Support

Environmentally Friendly Packaging Manufacturing

Overview
Plans, develops, and provides packaging materials aimed at reducing environmental impact.
Competitiveness
Reliability in environmental consideration through ISO 14001 certification
Customers
  • Retail Stores
  • Manufacturers
  • Food Service Businesses
  • Franchise Stores
  • EC Operators
Products
  • Recycled Paper Bags
  • Biodegradable Plastic Packaging
  • Eco Wrap
  • Environmentally Friendly Seals
  • Recyclable Packaging Materials

Packaging Workshops and Education

Overview
Holds various workshops aimed at improving technical and customer service skills.
Competitiveness
Industry-leading packaging technology and accumulated know-how
Customers
  • Corporate Sales Staff
  • Retail Store Employees
  • Gift Shops
  • Packaging Industry Professionals
  • New Entrepreneurs
Products
  • Wrapping Technique Workshops
  • Customer Service Training
  • Product Knowledge Education
  • Trade Show Planning
  • Sales Promotion Know-How Provision

Overseas Expansion Support

Overview
Engages in sales and support of packaging materials for overseas markets on a limited scale.
Competitiveness
Deep know-how from domestic market and diverse product range
Customers
  • Domestic Packaging Companies
  • Export Businesses
  • Overseas Retailers
  • Foreign Partners
Products
  • Export Packaging Materials
  • Multi-Language Product Planning
  • International Logistics Support
  • Market Information Provision
  • Local Sales Support

Original Product Planning

Overview
Plans and provides original package products tailored to customer needs.
Competitiveness
Capability to handle diverse materials and designs
Customers
  • Packaging Retail Stores
  • Gift Shops
  • Corporate Promotions
  • Event Companies
Products
  • Custom Packaging Bags
  • Original Ribbons
  • Limited Gift Boxes
  • Promotional Packages
  • Company Name Seals

Product Development and Planning

Overview
Responsible for planning new packaging materials products and promoting market launch.
Competitiveness
Rapid response to market trends and customer needs
Customers
  • Internal Product Development Division
  • Client Retail Stores
  • Market Analysis Team
Products
  • New Packaging Concept Planning
  • Market Research
  • Prototype Development
  • Quality Control
  • Product Improvement Proposals

Promotional Support Services

Overview
Implements multifaceted promotional support to improve store performance.
Competitiveness
Proposal capabilities leveraging extensive networks
Customers
  • Franchise FC Stores
  • Retail Store Owners
  • Event Planning Companies
Products
  • Promotional Tool Provision
  • Sales Strategy Consulting
  • Advertising Planning
  • Event Support
  • Sales Support Tools

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • High product quality in specialized packaging materials
  • Diverse network of directly operated and franchise stores
  • Comprehensive environmentally friendly products
  • Robust logistics system
  • Long-standing market trust and brand recognition
  • Wide range of sales channels
  • Customer-close analog sales capabilities
  • Unique educational services such as packaging workshops
  • Industry-specific expertise
  • Stable financial foundation
  • Diverse business segments
  • Extensive product lineup
  • Regionally focused store expansion
  • High customer responsiveness
  • Comprehensive logistics bases

Competitive Advantages

  • Nationwide sales power through directly operated and franchise operations
  • Leading company in packaging supplies wholesale
  • Development and provision of environmentally friendly packaging materials
  • Diversification of sales channels through expansion of business-use EC products
  • Delivery efficiency improvement via own logistics centers
  • Customer response leveraging specialty store network
  • Industry-top share in packaging technology workshops
  • Reliability backed by long history
  • Broad customer base from SMEs to large corporations
  • Meets needs with comprehensive product lineup
  • Wide coverage from paper and paper products wholesale to daily goods wholesale
  • Differentiation through sales reps' close customer activities
  • Active contribution to promoting packaging culture
  • ISO 14001 certified environmental management system company
  • Improved supply capacity through continuous logistics base enhancements

Threats

  • Market fluctuations in packaging materials due to strengthened plastic regulations
  • Intensified market competition from increasing EC competitors
  • Pressure for product specification changes due to shifting consumer environmental awareness
  • Cost increase concerns from rising logistics expenses
  • Risk of sales decline in retail sector during economic downturns
  • Intensified low-price competition from new entrants
  • Profit pressure from raw material price fluctuations
  • Decrease in store foot traffic due to COVID-19 impact
  • Impact of exchange rate fluctuations on imported material costs
  • Potential decline in sales and logistics capabilities due to labor shortages
  • Business environment uncertainty from regulatory changes
  • Increased difficulty in product planning due to diversifying consumer preferences

Innovations

2024: New Logistics Base Established in Hyogo Prefecture

Overview
Opened a large-scale logistics center in Hyogo Prefecture with an investment of approximately 15 billion yen.
Impact
Significantly improved logistics efficiency and inventory management capabilities.

2023: Business-Use EC Product Sales Increase 30%

Overview
Business product sales increased by 30% through strengthened EC sales in collaboration with analog sales.
Impact
Successfully expanded customer base and diversified sales channels.

2022: New Core System 'Phoenix' Fully Launched

Overview
Introduced new system company-wide to promote business reforms and efficiency.
Impact
Improved speed and accuracy of order and logistics management.

2024: Development of Eco Wrap Environmentally Friendly Packaging

Overview
Launched new packaging materials using biodegradable materials.
Impact
Contributed to strengthening the lineup of environmentally friendly products.

Sustainability

  • Operation of ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
  • Productization and promotion of biodegradable packaging materials
  • Recycling promotion program for packaging materials
  • In-house awareness enhancement through environmental workshops
  • Environmental enlightenment activities for customers involved in packaging culture
  • Collaboration with Yano Economic Research Institute to grasp environmental trends
  • Introduction of energy-saving and water-saving measures in stores
  • Promotional campaigns aimed at popularizing eco bags
  • Establishment of procurement standards for materials to reduce environmental impact