Management Policy

In 1869, Tokube Furuya I opened Gofuku (kimono) store "Tsuruya" in Yokohama, where the port had just been opened to the Western world. The fact that Matsuya started operating in Yokohama and then later opened a store in Ginza shows its foresight, an indispensable quality for a department store that reflects the times. This formed the basis of the above-mentioned corporate policy.
During the years the Gofuku stores sold primarily fabric in specified units, Matsuya cut the fabric to just the length the customer needed. Also, if Matsuya did not have the type of fabric a customer wanted in stock, it immediately sent representatives to acquire it from a supplier. This is the "customer comes first" spirit that Matsuya stands by and delivers to its customers.
At the same time, Matsuya was keenly aware that it owes much to its suppliers, which led to the policy of "co-existence and co-prosperity," according to which Matsuya seeks to grow and prosper with its suppliers.
Matsuya held evening sewing classes for its employees and provided them with training. The spirit of "respect for all people," whereby Matsuya seeks development for not only its stores, but also its employees, was a very advanced concept at that time, though it is taken for granted these days.
In addition, thanks to its "reliable management," Matsuya has overcome a number of hardships since its founding.
In keeping with its policy of "originality and ingenuity," Matsuya was also the first to introduce a variety of innovations, including a zoo and a play area on the rooftop of the Matsuya Asakusa store, the latter well known as a first for a department store in Japan.
It is not an overstatement to say that the reason Matsuya has been able to continue growing throughout its long history despite many traditional corporations gradually disappearing is the result of a management policy that developed based on experience and the mindset of management and employees who faithfully observed this policy.