A major international business and postal services chain has finally landed a franchise in Japan, opening its first shop in the Toranomon district of Tokyo’s Minato Ward.
PostNet International Franchise Corp., which is based in Las Vegas and has more than 520 stores in 23 countries, signed a master franchise agreement with Yoshida & Company in February. The Nagano-based company established a subsidiary in July named Business Service Stations, with capital of 30 million yen. The unit will operate a franchise in Japan.
PostNet’s stores offer a variety of business and postal services for customers, including international and domestic shipping, packaging, copying and mailbox rental. According to Soichiro Yoshida, president of Yoshida & Co. and the subsidiary, the Japanese chain is now aiming at opening 100 franchise shops in Japan in the next five years.
“We’re so successful in the U.S. (that) we’re approached by many international partners,” said Steven J. Greenbaum, president/CEO of PostNet International Franchise, who is now visiting Japan. Greenbaum said that he also expects to expand his business in China and Singapore, and that he is already talking with prospective partners in China. The other countries include Canada, South Africa, Brazil, the Philippines, France and Jordan.
Asked about a strategy for Japanese customers, Greenbaum said the chain will offer a variety of services for offering more comprehensive business solutions, including desktop publishing, Internet access and a home page development service.
