Milan(1) / Italy
The Milan Office
The country of the sun, of romantic Mediterranean and Alpine landscapes, of happy people singing in front of colorful dishes of spaghetti and pizzas, with a bottle of tasty wine, and talking amore: This may be the image of Italy all over the world. However, there is another side to Italy. Italians can enjoy life, but they are also a very industrious people.
Marubeni established its office in Milan in 1963, and since then it has been doing business in all the main sectors of Italian industry. Presently, the Milan Office has Textile, Chemicals, Agri-marine Products, Machinery and General Merchandise departments and each handle a wide range of products closely aligned with the Italian lifestyle.
Donata Garagiola began work at Marubeni in 1977 in the Textile Department. The Italian textile industry is known for its tremendous size and because of such collections as Pitti Uomo and Milano. But Marubeni has done more than just conclude exclusive contracts with major brands that can compete with other Japanese businesses. Today, the main business of the Textile Department includes the introduction of manufacturers' brands for Japanese special retail stores, called Select Shop and receiving special production orders in Italy to meet customer needs. In addition, because fashions change, an important aspect of the work is compiling as much as possible of the most up-to-date information locally. Recently, the evaluation of products from China and other Asian countries has risen. Nevertheless, the flourishing individuality of the factories of Italy and their high technological level provide a healthy situation, and Italy remains an important element at the heart of the world's apparel industry.
Ms. Garagiola's primary duties include daily communication with manufacturers and delivery control. Viewed from a Japanese perspective, Italians seem less punctual but more sensitive to pressure. The people working in the Italian apparel industry, especially in the factories, are highly professional and take great pride in their work and traditions. So as not to injure people's sensibilities, it is important to know how to communicate and how to promote cooperation. Ms. Garagiola is very skilled at communicating with any manufacturer. She is also proficient in English and can attend to customers perfectly. Ms. Garagiola has a very Italian openness and since she understands the characteristics of Japanese people she is always looking after them and has gained a good reputation among customers. Interested in her job, Ms. Garagiola has a keen sense of curiosity and is always searching for new fashions.
Milan is a center of fashion and leads the fashion world with its exceptional sense of color and novel ideas. The staff of the Milan office enjoy a strong fashion sense that takes advantage of the individuality of each person. They do not always wear high-class brands, but see clothing as an expression of their individual lifestyles. Even if a color is in fashion, it will be ignored if it does not suit one's taste. For example, even if a brand product suits one's preferences, if the product is not appropriate from the perspective of age or one's sense of self, people will not touch it. People have a strong, fixed sense of their own personal style and they can clearly identify items that suit this style. Time, place and occasion are important criteria for clothes and accessories. People choose clothes for a purpose such as for work and the office. Of course, when visiting clients or dining, it goes without saying that one must change work clothes depending on the client. Also, when going out to eat, brisk changes in clothing are required depending on the type of restaurant. All these changes are made without compromising one's individual style and show a sense of consideration for fashion and harmony for the people one is with. Italians also express these qualities in their business approach.
Established:1963
Main Businesses and Products:
Textiles (textile materials and apparel), chemicals, agri-marine products, machinery, general merchandise
Employees:26 (as of March 2000)
Trading Region: Italy and surrounding countries
Marubeni quarterly magazine "shosha" VOL.63 (April,2000)
