Who Mittsu Retail Partnerships Suit

Mittsu Japanese Tiles works with a small number of specialist retail partners who are able to present the collection appropriately within a design-led showroom environment.

Our retail partners typically work closely with:

• Architects
• Interior designers
• Design-focused residential clients
• Hospitality and commercial projects

Mittsu products are not commodity ceramic tiles. They are specialist architectural materials manufactured in Japan using traditional firing methods and natural glazes.

Retail partners who are comfortable presenting material quality, craftsmanship and surface character tend to find the strongest success with the collection.

Full details of the Retail Partner Programme are provided in the programme document.

Partnership Approach

Mittsu values long-term retail relationships and aims to maintain a commercially successful partnership built on clear communication and practical support.

We operate as an agile supplier and recognise that each market and showroom environment presents different opportunities and requirements. Where appropriate, we are open to practical adjustments that improve the effectiveness of the partnership and support project opportunities.

Retail partners have direct access to the director of Mittsu, who has detailed knowledge of the manufacturers, products and installation considerations. We aim to respond quickly to enquiries so retailers can provide accurate information and reliable service to their clients.

We understand that Japanese ceramic tiles are specialist materials and that retail partners may require one-to-one support over time, particularly when first introducing the collection to architects, designers and contractors.

Why Mittsu Is Different

Most ceramic tiles sold globally are manufactured in large volumes using automated processes designed to produce perfectly uniform surfaces.

Mittsu works with specialist Japanese manufacturers whose focus is craftsmanship, material quality and surface character rather than mass production.

Specialist Japanese Kilns

Many Mittsu tiles are produced in the historic ceramic region of Tajimi in Gifu Prefecture.

Natural Glazes

The final appearance is created in the kiln rather than printed onto the tile.

Long Kiln Firing Cycles

Extended firing cycles create durability, depth and natural variation.

Surface Variation

Subtle differences in tone and glaze movement are part of the aesthetic quality of Japanese ceramics.

Limited Production

Certain products have manufacturer minimum order quantities or production lead times.

Signature Collections

Yuki Border and Kaji Border form the core of our local stock programme and are widely used across architectural interiors.

Both collections are stocked locally and available for immediate supply.

Supply Model

Mittsu supplies products through three primary routes depending on the nature of the order and the requirements of the manufacturer.

• Project Supply for smaller quantities from warehouse stock, Japanese stock or made-to-order production
• Retail Stock Orders for pallet quantities placed for showroom or inventory stock
• Made-to-Order Production for products manufactured specifically for an order where required

Local Warehouse Stock

Fast supply for smaller orders and project requirements.

Retail Stock Pallet Orders

Retail partners may place pallet orders directly from Japan for their own stock.

Minimum order: 1 pallet, with up to 3 SKUs, subject to product and manufacturer requirements.

Manufacturer Minimum Orders

Some collections require larger minimum production quantities. These requirements are shown in the Mittsu Trade Price List and are also discussed directly during the quotation process where relevant.

Consolidated Shipments from Japan

Retail pallet orders may be combined with Mittsu procurement shipments from Japan where appropriate.

Direct Project Delivery

Orders may be invoiced to the retailer while goods are delivered directly to the project site.

Retail Display Starter Pack

The Mittsu Retail Display Starter Pack ensures that every retail partner can present the collection properly within their showroom.

The starter pack includes approximately 10 m² of tiles, allowing a complete architectural installation using one of Mittsu’s signature collections.

The narrow linear format emphasises height and architectural rhythm, making smaller bathrooms feel taller and more refined.

Installed displays generate far more interest from architects and designers than loose sample boards.

Full details of the Retail Starter Pack are provided in the Retail Partner Programme document.

Quotations and Orders

Requests for quotation should identify the relevant product SKU and quantity required.

Tiles are supplied by the box. Box coverage varies by product. Quantities may be requested either by number of boxes or square metres.

Where quantities are requested in square metres, Mittsu will calculate the number of boxes required and round up to the nearest full box.

Box coverage figures are provided for guidance only. For loose tiles not mounted on sheets, final installed coverage will also vary depending on the joint width used during installation.

Production and Delivery

Mittsu Japanese Tiles are manufactured using traditional ceramic processes including kiln firing and natural glazes.

Variations in colour, texture and surface movement between production batches are a natural characteristic of kiln-fired ceramics and form part of the aesthetic quality of the material.

Lead times are provided in good faith based on production schedules and shipping conditions at the time of quotation. Production schedules, shipping routes and international freight conditions may change.

For this reason, delivery dates are estimates and international shipping delays may occur.

Become a Retail Partner

Mittsu works with a limited number of specialist retail partners who can present the collection appropriately and support designers seeking authentic Japanese tiles.

If you believe Mittsu Japanese Tiles would suit your showroom, please contact us to discuss a Retail Partner relationship.

The Retail Partner Programme document provides full details of the partnership structure, display starter pack and supply options.