Empowering Morning Market: 250+ Shops Offer Personalized Online Shopping With Our Help

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Traditional marketplaces in Japan struggled to adapt to digital shopping during the pandemic

In a Nutshell

When COVID-19 forced one of Japan’s oldest and most beloved morning markets to close its gates, over 250 small vendors were left without a way to reach their customers. Together with the organizers, we built a digital marketplace that helped these vendors stay connected with their community — and helped customers rediscover their favorite local products online.

Inside the Opportunity

  1. The pandemic brought operations to a halt, cutting off income for vendors who relied entirely on daily footfall.
  2. Many loyal customers — especially older shoppers — struggled with online platforms and needed a simpler way to shop.
  3. Without digital infrastructure, vendors couldn’t manage payments, orders, or product visibility.
  4. Cart abandonment was high due to unfamiliar interfaces and slow browsing, especially for senior users.
  5. The market needed a way to retain its community feel — even when accessed through a screen.

Inside Innovature’s Thinking

  1. We designed a clean, user-friendly digital storefront inspired by the physical market layout — easy to navigate even for first-time users.
  2. Integrated AI and machine learning to recommend products based on individual shopping habits, helping reduce decision fatigue.
  3.  Enabled multiple secure payment options, including digital wallets and bank transfers, removing friction for both vendors and customers.
  4. Built vendor dashboards to simplify inventory, orders, and promotions — allowing sellers to stay in control without technical know-how.
  5.  Supported targeted promotions so vendors could highlight items to customers most likely to buy — mimicking in-person interactions.

Inside the Impact

75%

Growth in online sales

50%

improvement in vendor efficiency

40%

Cost savings for the vendor

Access the Full Case Study

Download the Complete Project Walkthrough

60%
Traditional marketplaces in Japan struggled to adapt to digital shopping during the pandemic

In a Nutshell

When COVID-19 forced one of Japan’s oldest and most beloved morning markets to close its gates, over 250 small vendors were left without a way to reach their customers. Together with the organizers, we built a digital marketplace that helped these vendors stay connected with their community — and helped customers rediscover their favorite local products online.

Inside the Opportunity

  1. The pandemic brought operations to a halt, cutting off income for vendors who relied entirely on daily footfall.
  2. Many loyal customers — especially older shoppers — struggled with online platforms and needed a simpler way to shop.
  3. Without digital infrastructure, vendors couldn’t manage payments, orders, or product visibility.
  4. Cart abandonment was high due to unfamiliar interfaces and slow browsing, especially for senior users.
  5. The market needed a way to retain its community feel — even when accessed through a screen.

Inside Innovature’s Thinking

  1. We designed a clean, user-friendly digital storefront inspired by the physical market layout — easy to navigate even for first-time users.
  2. Integrated AI and machine learning to recommend products based on individual shopping habits, helping reduce decision fatigue.
  3.  Enabled multiple secure payment options, including digital wallets and bank transfers, removing friction for both vendors and customers.
  4. Built vendor dashboards to simplify inventory, orders, and promotions — allowing sellers to stay in control without technical know-how.
  5.  Supported targeted promotions so vendors could highlight items to customers most likely to buy — mimicking in-person interactions.

Inside the Impact

75%

Growth in online sales

50%

improvement in vendor efficiency

40%

Cost savings for the vendor

Wahbe Rezek

Advisor, AI & Deep Tech

Wahbe, based in Amsterdam, has a solid background in project and IT change management, notably at the City of Amsterdam and ING. In 2019, he transitioned to become a Program Manager at ING’s Financial Markets division, specializing in AI. Since late 2022, Wahbe has founded Future Focus, offering AI advisory and implementation services, and assisting clients in maximizing the potential of artificial intelligence. Additionally, he serves as an Advisor-AI & Deep Tech at Innovature, where he provides strategic insights and guidance on cutting-edge AI technologies.

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Jesper Bågeman

Partner, Technology

Jesper is an IT enthusiast committed to driving positive change through technology. He leads with three core principles: fostering genuine partnerships with clients, integrating sustainability into operations, and prioritizing the empowerment and well-being of team members. Jesper’s dedication to these values ensures that he delivers impactful results.

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Tiby Kuruvila

Cheif Advisor

Tiby is a respected technology expert recognized for his contributions in project management and technology development. His dedication to technological advancement and client relationship management has established him as a valuable asset in driving business growth and maintaining customer satisfaction across various sectors.

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Meghna George

HR Manager

Meghna is dedicated to shaping HR practices and fostering a culture of growth and empowerment, steering Innovature toward a brighter future. With an impressive background in Human Resources, Meghna has successfully led HR shared services and managed the HRBP portfolio for large delivery units. Her expertise encompasses strategic planning, change management, and employee development, making her a pivotal force in driving organizational excellence.

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Unnikrishnan S

Vice President

Unnikrishnan brings a wealth of experience in delivering impactful software projects and implementing strategic technological initiatives. His comprehensive knowledge in project management, operations, and client engagement consistently yields significant results, making him a trusted leader in the field of IT.

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Gijo Sivan

CEO, Global

Gijo is based in Japan and possesses two decades of experience in modern web technology, big data analysis, cloud computing, and data mining. He plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s global reputation, particularly within the Japanese IT industry, and brings extensive experience in sales, delivery management, partner management, operations, and technology consulting.

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Ravindranath A V

CEO, India & Americas

Ravindranath is a seasoned executive renowned for his global proficiency in IT strategy, infrastructure, and software services delivery. With a focus on innovation, he translates clients’ business concepts into actionable solutions across diverse industries such as banking, retail, education, and telecommunications.

Image of Ravindranath, CEO of Innovature Americas