"Mercato", a direct sales store in Owani-cho, Aomori Prefecture (Owani-cho, Minamitsugaru-gun, Aomori Prefecture, TEL 0172-47-8831) was reopened on October 17. Over 300 apple crates are used as displays to decorate products.

The same store that has a store in the community exchange center "Wanicome" (Wanicom). The name of the store is Italian, meaning "direct production" and "local production". This is the first renewal since it opened. “We made use of the strength of the apple production area and used a large number of cheap, affordable apple crates as a display,” says Yasukuge Soma, vice president of the center.

The apple crate is used by farmers in Aomori prefecture when harvesting apples, and cedar and pine trees are used as timber. It is made to be sturdy enough to accommodate a large number of apples and is easy to use. In recent years, it is increasingly used as an interior or display. Soma, who found a business opportunity there, invited a store design expert from Tokyo and launched a renewal using an apple crate in the main.

"Since the director of the center manages the apple garden, I used the wooden boxes used there. Since it is made by one craftsman, the size and weight are uniform. "It's convenient because the heights will match even if the shelves are staggered," says Soma. It is said that they are planning a plan to ship the wooden boxes at a cheap price to Tokyo and have them used at stores and event venues.

Upon the renewal, the sales area for Owani specialty products was expanded. Asari, the manager, said, "We are proud of not only apples and hot spring sprouts, but also limited-selling tomato juice and dressings that use tomatoes from Owani. We would like people who think" Otomi with tomatoes? " ".

Business hours are from 8 am to 6 pm (Saturday, Sunday and public holidays until 19:00). Closed on the 3rd Thursday (open during busy season).