{
  "id": 7953833,
  "title": "Ginza welcomes IQOS global flagship store",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/ginza-welcomes-iqos-global-flagship-store-7953833",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-17T04:29:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/09/1534652/ginza-welcomes-iqos-global-flagship-store"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Philip Morris International (PMI) has opened its inaugural global IQOS flagship store in Tokyo's prestigious Ginza district, highlighting a transformative phase for the brand in Japan, the nation where the company launched over a decade ago. The Ginza Yomiko Building's flagship store debuted on September 4th, occupying two floors of the renowned Ginza Yomiko Building at 1-8-14 Ginza, a neighborhood known for its opulent retail and cultural attractions.\n\nA launch event at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo preceded the store's grand unveiling, attended by PMI's CEO, Jacek Olczak. During the ceremony, Olczak emphasized the significance of Ginza as the chosen location, stating that it embodies the brand's vision of a better future for consumers and the business. He lauded Ginza as a place that perfectly encapsulates Japan's ability to honor the past while continuously elevating the standards for the future.\n\nOlczak also highlighted that Japan has historically been the first market where PMI introduces innovative ideas, products, and experiences, thanks to Japan's consumers who consistently challenge the company to innovate and improve. The 517-square-meter, two-story store goes beyond traditional retail, offering an immersive brand experience through product displays, tastings, Japanese craftsmanship, and cutting-edge digital technology. The ground floor showcases various flavor profiles through a multisensory experience, while the upper floor houses a premium lounge and cafe bar, complete with a seven-meter light installation and a 270-degree digital screen displaying imagery inspired by Japan's changing seasons and landscapes.\n\nThe opening event featured a collaboration with celebrated Japanese pastry chef Sadaharu Aoki, who presented limited-edition sweets and pairing experiences for the first ten days following the store's debut. Long lines formed outside the store even before the opening, with eager customers securing limited-edition devices that included Yamanaka lacquerware glasses and special packaging. CEO Olczak emphasized that the flagship store is more than just a retail space; it is a venue where customers can experience the brand's identity, understand its values, and engage directly with its vision. Every aspect of the store, from its design to its service, has been meticulously crafted to deliver a premium and meaningful experience.",
  "summary": "TOKYO: Philip Morris International (PMI) recently opened its first global IQOS flagship store in Tokyo's upscale Ginza district, marking a new chapter for the brand in the Japanese market where its journey began more than a decade ago.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Ginza welcomes IQOS global flagship store",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/ginza-welcomes-iqos-global-flagship-store",
        "published": "2026-09-17T04:29:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}