Sankodo Overcomes Labor Shortage with Female Employees' Sales Strategies
Sankodo, a century-old cosmetics manufacturer based in Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture, has successfully addressed its chronic labor shortage by adopting innovative sales strategies developed by its female employees. Founded in 1926 by a seafood wholesaler in Fukushima who created a golden cosmetic liquid called 'Beauty Undiluted Opal' to treat workers' skin issues, the company has grown to sell products in approximately 500 stores nationwide. Rather than relying on heavy advertising, Sankodo prioritizes research and development, maintaining an honest business approach that has sustained its market presence. Facing significant staffing challenges, the third-generation president, Motoyuki Sasaki, implemented new methods suggested by female staff members to move beyond traditional 'sales with spirit and guts.' This shift highlights how the company is leveraging internal wisdom to adapt to modern labor market constraints while celebrating its 100th anniversary. The article illustrates the intersection of traditional manufacturing values and contemporary workforce dynamics in Japan's small and medium-sized enterprise sector.
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Sankodo Overcomes Labor Shortage with Female Employees' Sales Strategies
Sankodo, a century-old cosmetics manufacturer based in Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture, has successfully addressed its chronic labor shortage by adopting innovative sales strategies developed by its female employees. Founded in 1926 by a seafood wholesaler in Fukushima who created a golden cosmetic liquid called 'Beauty Undiluted Opal' to treat workers' skin issues, the company has grown to sell products in approximately 500 stores nationwide. Rather than relying on heavy advertising, Sankodo prioritizes research and development, maintaining an honest business approach that has sustained its market presence. Facing significant staffing challenges, the third-generation president, Motoyuki Sasaki, implemented new methods suggested by female staff members to move beyond traditional 'sales with spirit and guts.' This shift highlights how the company is leveraging internal wisdom to adapt to modern labor market constraints while celebrating its 100th anniversary. The article illustrates the intersection of traditional manufacturing values and contemporary workforce dynamics in Japan's small and medium-sized enterprise sector.
asahi