Manchester-born high-street retailer KENJI has partnered with brand communications agency IF. to take the brand into social commerce, marking a significant step in its mission to reach audiences beyond its physical stores.
Celebrating its tenth birthday this year, KENJI has become known for its Asian-inspired quirky homeware, stationery, accessories, character-based plushies and gifts.
The move onto TikTok Shop complements KENJI’s ambitious growth plans, designed to leverage both brand and product love in one of the UK’s fastest-growing ecommerce spaces.
IF. managing partner Myke Hamilton said: “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with KENJI. They’re a fun, vibrant and culturally relevant brand whose story is going to be a joy to tell on TikTok. The whole team is buzzing to get started and bring KENJI’s unique energy to life on the platform.”
Laura Selby, managing partner at IF., added: “TikTok Shop represents a huge opportunity for retailers like KENJI. By combining the brand’s creativity with our approach to strategy, content and shoptimisation, we’ll be opening the door to discovery, community, and sales at scale.”
Eddie Shepherd, managing director at KENJI, added: “This is a hugely important development for us as we celebrate a milestone birthday. We’ve always been about creating playful, distinctive products and building a brand people feel part of. TikTok is the perfect space to extend that connection, and with IF. as our partner, we’re confident we can take KENJI to the next level.”
TikTok Shop is an in-app ecommerce feature that allows brands, creators, and sellers alike to showcase and sell products directly to users within the TikTok app. It functions as a marketplace, similar to Amazon or eBay, where products are discovered through entertaining content like videos and live streams rather than traditional search and shopfronts. This allows users to purchase items without ever leaving the app.
Recently management-acquired IF. is a Manchester-based brand commerce agency that leverages brand into commercial growth. With a 20-year legacy, IF. has partnered with clients including YHA, Marston’s, Freshpet, and Faith in Nature — to build, activate and amplify brand that drive results.
