Japanese aftermarket insights: QRIE’s OEM strategy
October 31, 2024
Koichi Yoshizuka unveils QRIE’s unique tactics to navigate Japan’s OEM-dominated print supplies market.
The Remanexpo Academy will welcome back Koichi Yoshizuka, CEO and founder of QRIE Ltd., to share his expert insights into Japan’s third-party printing supplies market, with a focus on trends and developments influencing both OEM and independent suppliers. Yoshizuka’s highly anticipated presentation, scheduled for Friday, 7 February, marks the first day of the Academy during Remanexpo / Ambiente, running from 7-9 February in Frankfurt.
Entitled “The Latest Trends in Japan’s Third-Party Supplies Market and OEM Developments,” Yoshizuka’s session will delve into the Japanese market’s unique challenges and opportunities. “Japan is home to several leading OEM headquarters, which inherently influences local consumer preferences,” Yoshizuka explains. “Japanese consumers prioritise safety and reliability, often favouring OEM supplies to avoid any risks associated with aftermarket products.” This conservative consumer mindset, he adds, significantly shapes the landscape for third-party suppliers, such as QRIE.
Since founding QRIE Ltd. in 2005, Yoshizuka has steered the company into a leading position within Japan’s aftermarket sector. Specialising in compatible inks and toners, QRIE reaches both corporate and individual customers through an established presence on e-commerce giants like Rakuten, Amazon, and Yahoo! Shopping, alongside its own online store. Notably, the company has received the Rakuten Shop of the Year award three times in the electronics category, underlining QRIE’s commitment to quality and value.
For industry stakeholders attending Remanexpo, Yoshizuka’s session is expected to offer critical takeaways on how QRIE adapts its strategy to capture market share amidst Japan’s OEM-dominant environment. He will present exclusive internal data and outline QRIE’s nuanced approach to consumer engagement and brand differentiation. Yoshizuka notes that QRIE’s ongoing growth is fuelled by a unique combination of inventory precision and real-time data management through Oracle NetSuite’s ERP, allowing the company to fine-tune its supply chain and customer interactions.
Beyond technology, QRIE has demonstrated its innovative streak through marketing collaborations with Chosyu KoRiki, a well-known brand ambassador who expands QRIE’s reach via unconventional channels, including pro-wrestling events. “Combining affordability, quality, and creativity in customer engagement allows us to compete effectively,” Yoshizuka says, hinting at how QRIE’s approach could inspire other aftermarket players.
A seasoned industry professional, Yoshizuka has leveraged his background, from his academic roots in law at Niigata University to his tenure at Mitsui & Co., to build QRIE’s reputation and annual revenue of JPY 2.3 billion (€14.7M / $15.7M). Headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, with an Osaka branch, QRIE employs 45 staff, all dedicated to Yoshizuka’s mission of growth and resilience within the competitive Japanese market.
For attendees, Yoshizuka’s presentation on the first day of Remanexpo / Ambiente promises a rare and valuable perspective on how aftermarket leaders can innovate and thrive under the influence of strong OEM incumbency, shedding light on the evolving strategies shaping Japan’s consumables market.
Categories : World Focus
Tags : Insight Japan market Remanexpo Remanexpo Academy Speaker
