OREANDA-NEWS. September 15, 2014. J. Front Retailing Co., Ltd., Mori Building Co., Ltd., L Real Estate and Sumitomo Corporation today announced the appointment of designer Gwenael Nicolas, president of Curiosity, Inc., as the lead interior designer of the retail facility in Tokyo’s world-famous Ginza shopping district. The four companies also announced that the Retail Facility Preparation Office will be established tomorrow to begin recruiting premium tenants for the retail facility, which will open in November 2016.

The retail facility, covering approximately 46,000 ?, will form part of the largest mixed-use building constructed as part of the largest redevelopment initiative – Ginza 6-chome District 10 Category 1 Urban Redevelopment Project – ever undertaken in Ginza to rejuvenate this historic district’s international retail, business and tourism assets.

Under the concept “Life At Its Best,” the retail facility is expected to offer visitors uniquely exhilarating shopping experiences with prestigious retailers ranging from international luxury fashion and lifestyle brands to restaurants and cafes.

J. Front Retailing, Mori Building, L Real Estate and Sumitomo Corporation unanimously selected Mr. Nicolas, a well-regarded French designer, as the retail facility’s lead interior designer in view of his track record in design projects for renowned luxury brand boutiques worldwide. By recruiting Gwenael Nicolas, the four companies will continue to gather talent and expertise from internationally renowned retail professionals to create a unique “World-Class” urban retail experience in the heart of Ginza at the highest local and international standards.

Following the agreement reached in April to jointly plan and operate the retail facilities, the four partners also announced today that the newly formed Retail Facility Preparation Committee starts accepting applications from potential tenants . Some 250 to 300 premium tenants noted for high-quality goods and services combined with innovative concepts will be selected for the facility.