Yokohama Municipal Transportation Bureau Sees Steady Growth in Station Space Utilization via 'SHOPCOUNTER'
Key facts
- Yokohama Municipal Transportation Bureau Sees Steady Growth in Station Space Utilization via 'SHOPCOUNTER'
- Yokohama Municipal Transportation Bureau has successfully digitized its station space management by adopting the pop-up store platform 'SHOPCOUNTER'. Over two years, utilization days increased by 97.2% and revenue by 106.1%, significantly improving operational efficiency and achieving 118.6% of its mid-term management plan goals.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 28, 2026
Direct answer
Yokohama Municipal Transportation Bureau has successfully digitized its station space management by adopting the pop-up store platform 'SHOPCOUNTER'. Over two years, utilization days increased by 97.2% and revenue by 106.1%, significantly improving operational efficiency and achieving 118.6% of its mid-term management plan goals.
- Citation
- Yokohama Municipal Transportation Bureau Sees Steady Growth in Station Space Utilization via 'SHOPCOUNTER' (May 28, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 28, 2026
Yokohama Municipal Transportation Bureau has successfully digitized its station space management by adopting the pop-up store platform 'SHOPCOUNTER'. Over two years, utilization days increased by 97.2% and revenue by 106.1%, significantly improving operational efficiency and achieving 118.6% of its mid-term management plan goals.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 28, 2026 at 11:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 1, 2026 at 01:22 (86h 22m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 1, 2026 at 01:25 (2 min after Collected)
COUNTERWORKS Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Naoki Sampei) has been providing its pop-up store support platform, 'SHOPCOUNTER,' to the Yokohama Municipal Transportation Bureau since May 2024 to optimize station space utilization. Comparing the fiscal year before implementation (April 2023–March 2024) with the fiscal year two years later (April 2025–March 2026), the number of days station spaces were utilized increased by 97.2%, and revenue grew by 106.1%. Furthermore, the bureau achieved 118.6% of its related targets set in the 'Mid-term Management Plan 2023-2026,' marking significant progress in creating retail opportunities and streamlining operations.
Background of Implementation
Previously, the Yokohama Municipal Transportation Bureau offered station concourses as hourly rental spaces. However, the process—checking availability via phone, applying via email, mailing permits, and paying at bank counters—was cumbersome for both users and staff. Additionally, traditional recruitment methods limited outreach to new tenants. To address this, the bureau introduced SHOPCOUNTER in May 2024 across 21 Yokohama Municipal Subway stations (as of May 2026) to digitize recruitment and improve operational efficiency.
Specific Results
(1) Increased Inquiries and Tenant Diversity: Utilization days rose by 97.2% compared to the pre-implementation period. Beyond traditional promotional events, new categories such as food and retail have emerged, indicating a broader appeal. Reservations are being made months in advance, and previously underutilized stations have become more active.
(2) Revenue Growth: Revenue from station space utilization increased by 106.1%, contributing to effective asset management. The 118.6% achievement rate against the mid-term plan is supported by the growth of high-unit-price promotional events.
(3) Operational Efficiency: By centralizing recruitment online, the bureau eliminated time-consuming manual tasks like phone inquiries and physical document handling. This has allowed staff to manage nearly 1,000 cases with ease.
(4) Potential for Permanent Stores: Short-term pop-ups are serving as test marketing, leading some food vendors to transition into permanent store operations.
Future Outlook
Both parties will continue to create opportunities for diverse businesses and refine operational systems. They aim to enhance station value and vibrancy through tailored proposals.
Popular Station Rankings
Utilization is concentrated on the Blue Line, specifically Center Minami, Totsuka, and Center Kita stations, which show high demand and revenue.
Campaign Information
To further expand utilization, the bureau will launch a 'First-Time User Discount Campaign' (up to 50% off) from July to September 2026, and an 'Expansion Campaign' (up to 50% off) for selected stations from July 2026 to March 2027. Applications open in June 2026.
About SHOPCOUNTER
SHOPCOUNTER is an online platform for booking pop-up stores, events, and exhibitions. As of March 2026, it serves approximately 87,000 tenants across various industries.
About COUNTERWORKS
Company: COUNTERWORKS Inc.
CEO: Naoki Sampei
Business: Planning, development, and operation of 'SHOPCOUNTER' and 'SHOPCOUNTER Enterprise'.
Capital: 654 million JPY.
Background of Implementation
Previously, the Yokohama Municipal Transportation Bureau offered station concourses as hourly rental spaces. However, the process—checking availability via phone, applying via email, mailing permits, and paying at bank counters—was cumbersome for both users and staff. Additionally, traditional recruitment methods limited outreach to new tenants. To address this, the bureau introduced SHOPCOUNTER in May 2024 across 21 Yokohama Municipal Subway stations (as of May 2026) to digitize recruitment and improve operational efficiency.
Specific Results
(1) Increased Inquiries and Tenant Diversity: Utilization days rose by 97.2% compared to the pre-implementation period. Beyond traditional promotional events, new categories such as food and retail have emerged, indicating a broader appeal. Reservations are being made months in advance, and previously underutilized stations have become more active.
(2) Revenue Growth: Revenue from station space utilization increased by 106.1%, contributing to effective asset management. The 118.6% achievement rate against the mid-term plan is supported by the growth of high-unit-price promotional events.
(3) Operational Efficiency: By centralizing recruitment online, the bureau eliminated time-consuming manual tasks like phone inquiries and physical document handling. This has allowed staff to manage nearly 1,000 cases with ease.
(4) Potential for Permanent Stores: Short-term pop-ups are serving as test marketing, leading some food vendors to transition into permanent store operations.
Future Outlook
Both parties will continue to create opportunities for diverse businesses and refine operational systems. They aim to enhance station value and vibrancy through tailored proposals.
Popular Station Rankings
Utilization is concentrated on the Blue Line, specifically Center Minami, Totsuka, and Center Kita stations, which show high demand and revenue.
Campaign Information
To further expand utilization, the bureau will launch a 'First-Time User Discount Campaign' (up to 50% off) from July to September 2026, and an 'Expansion Campaign' (up to 50% off) for selected stations from July 2026 to March 2027. Applications open in June 2026.
About SHOPCOUNTER
SHOPCOUNTER is an online platform for booking pop-up stores, events, and exhibitions. As of March 2026, it serves approximately 87,000 tenants across various industries.
About COUNTERWORKS
Company: COUNTERWORKS Inc.
CEO: Naoki Sampei
Business: Planning, development, and operation of 'SHOPCOUNTER' and 'SHOPCOUNTER Enterprise'.
Capital: 654 million JPY.
FAQ
Can similar strategies be applied to Taipei Metro stations?
Yes. By digitizing station space management, transit operators in Taiwan can attract a wider range of pop-up retailers and optimize revenue.
What are the key facts in this article?
Yokohama Municipal Transportation Bureau has successfully digitized its station space management by adopting the pop-up store platform 'SHOPCOUNTER'. Over two years, utilization days increased by 97.2% and revenue by 106.1%, significantly improving operational efficiency and achieving 118.6% of its mid-term management plan goals.
What is the direct answer?
Yokohama Municipal Transportation Bureau has successfully digitized its station space management by adopting the pop-up store platform 'SHOPCOUNTER'. Over two years, utilization days increased by 97.2% and revenue by 106.1%, significantly improving operational efficiency and achieving 118.6% of its mid-term management plan goals.