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Tag: uniqlo

  • Uniqlo opens new Vietnam store, goes online in the Philippines

    Uniqlo opens new Vietnam store, goes online in the Philippines

    Japanese fast-fashion retailer Uniqlo is to open its third store in Ho Chi Minh City this week and will debut online in the Philippines.

    Less than a month after the opening of the Ho Chi Minh’s second store at SC Vivo City, Uniqlo Vietnam is to launch another store in the country’s tallest building Landmark 81 this Friday (June 5).

    Occupying a 2000sqm area, the Uniqlo Landmark 81 store features the brand’s LifeWear products for males, females and kids. The store also features Uniqlo’s latest collections including the Billie Eilish x Takashi Murakami UT. To celebrate the opening, Uniqlo Landmark 81 is running several promotions such as giving away Uniqlo’s mugs and Landmark 81 SkyView tickets.

    Meanwhile, in the Philippines, the fast-fashion brand says it will launch online in the second half of this year.

    “An online store will provide local Uniqlo customers a faster and easier way of purchasing their favorite LifeWear items,” said Masayoshi Nakamura, COO at Uniqlo Philippines.

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  • Massive Uniqlo Tokyo flagship to open later this month

    Massive Uniqlo Tokyo flagship to open later this month

    Fast Retailing will reopen its Uniqlo Tokyo store this month, a global flagship that will be the first in the world to reflect the brand’s new LifeWear concept.

    The store is located in the same building as the Ginza Marronnier Gate store which opened eight years ago, but has been expanded to cover four floors with its interior completely remodeled.

    Uniqlo Tokyo will open on June 19. The LifeWear concept represents Uniqlo’s commitment to offering “well-designed clothing that meets everyone’s needs for daily wear”. The focus is on high-quality, functional, affordable, and innovative apparel which will be available in a variety of colors and designs for men, women, kids and babies.

    Uniqlo Tokyo was designed by Fast Retailing’s creative director Kashiwa Sato, working with Swiss architectural company Herzog & de Meuron and Japan’s Praemium Imperiale.

    In a statement, Fast Retailing said the company considers Uniqlo Tokyo will be a key store that will “change the flow of customers in Ginza, conveying to visitors the latest LifeWear, and allowing them to experience the world’s finest products and services”.

    “The opening of a location in this prime area is an important and major part of the Uniqlo store development strategy.”

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  • Uniqlo Japan same-store sales down in April

    Uniqlo Japan same-store sales down in April

    Uniqlo Japan same-store sales, including online, plunged 56.5 percent in April as the Covid-19 crisis led to restricted store opening times.

    According to data released by parent Fast Retailing, total sales, including those of new stores, decreased by 57.7 percent.

    The company said customer visits to stores “dropped sharply”. Sales were “adversely impacted by the temporary closure or reduction in operating hours at more of our stores, and consumers deciding to stay at home to combat Covid-19,” the company said.

    During the month of April, 311 stores were temporarily closed due to the advent of the coronavirus, and 299 operated on reduced trading hours.

    Fast Retailing said the monthly data was calculated without excluding stores that were either open for fewer hours or closed temporarily from the total number of same stores or own stores.

    While Uniqlo Japan same-store sales data has been released, the company has not as yet shared data on its international operations.

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  • Third Uniqlo x Marimekko collection launches

    Third Uniqlo x Marimekko collection launches

    Uniqlo has for a third time partnered with Finnish design company Marimekko to launch a new limited-edition collection.

    The new Uniqlo x Marimekko collection offers items for women and babies in six of Marimekko’s patterns, designed by Maija Isola and Annika Rimala. The patterns feature prints with different shapes and vibrant colours, “adding a splash of fun to LifeWear”.

    “Brand collaborations with partners with whom we share values and are able to create something special for customers represent unique opportunities for Marimekko to share our design philosophy with a wide global audience,” said Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko, president and CEO of Marimekko.

    Prior to the Uniqlo x Marimekko 2020 collection, the two companies collaborated twice during previous seasons.

    “Our three seasons of working closely with Marimekko have deepened our understanding and appreciation for the Finnish fashion and design house and its art of printmaking,” said Yuki Katsuta, head of research & development at Uniqlo.

    The Uniqlo x Marimekko limited edition will be on sale from April 10.

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  • Uniqlo Vietnam opens new store in Ho Chi Minh City

    Uniqlo Vietnam opens new store in Ho Chi Minh City

    Uniqlo Vietnam is to open Ho Chi Minh’s second store this year despite the coronavirus outbreak.

    Located at SC Vivo City shopping mall in District 7, the city’s second Uniqlo Vietnam store will occupy more than 2000sqm of area, featuring its LifeWear products for males, females and kids.

    The opening date has yet to be disclosed, but the store is expected to open this spring/summer with the interior fit out well underway.

    “We are aware of the huge demand from Vietnamese customers for Uniqlo products,” said Osamu Ikezoe, Co-CEO of Uniqlo Vietnam. “We are excited to open the SC Vivo City store to introduce our fashion philosophy LifeWear to our customers.”

    Osamu said Uniqlo Vietnam plans three more stores this year. According to a prior company statement, the brand aims to operate at least three stores in Hanoi and eventually reach up to 20 nationwide.

    Earlier this month, Uniqlo Vietnam made its Hanoi debut, attracting more than 2000 people on its opening day.

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  • Uniqlo Singapore goes paper shopping bags

    Uniqlo Singapore goes paper shopping bags

    Uniqlo Singapore is ditching its plastic shopping bags in favor of paper.

    The decision reflects a global move by the brand to become more environmentally friendly and reduce its reliance on single-use plastics. The new bags will retail at 10 cents each, with a more robust eco-friendly tote bag available at SG$2.90.

    Uniqlo’s Japanese parent Fast Retailing Group announced intentions to eliminate unnecessary plastics use throughout its supply chain in July last year. The firm plans to reduce single-use plastic by 85 percent (around 7800 tons annually) by the end of this year.

    Uniqlo is also addressing other factors in its supply chain, including reducing the volume of water used in its jeans washing process by an average of 90 percent as well as introducing new material in its clothing items – Dry-Ex – derived from recycled plastic bottles

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  • Uniqlo Singapore Switches to Eco-friendly Paper Bagsto Reduce Single-Use Plastic

    Uniqlo Singapore Switches to Eco-friendly Paper Bagsto Reduce Single-Use Plastic

    From 2 March onwards, UNIQLO Singapore will replace plastic shopping bags with eco-friendly paper bags, as part of the company’s global efforts to create a sustainable business that considers for the environment. To further promote reducing the use of traditional shopping bags and making effective use of resources, UNIQLO will be launching a new eco-friendly tote bag at SGD$2.90 and will price its eco-friendly paper shopping bag at SGD$0.10 each.
     
    This comes after the announcement by Fast Retailing Group, the parent company of UNIQLO, in July 2019 to eliminate the use of unnecessary plastic throughout its supply chain, and to reduce the amount of single-use plastic handed to customers, including shopping bags and product packaging. The aim is to reduce single-use plastic by 85% or around 7,800 tons annually by the end of 2020.

    “Respect the Environment” is one of UNIQLO’s six priorities for sustainability, and together with Fast Retailing, it is proceeding to eliminate all forms of waste and establish a business with minimal impact on the environment. Environmental pollution from plastic waste is a growing concern worldwide, and UNIQLO is taking action to reduce unnecessary single-use plastic from its operations. This will help minimise the environmental impact of its business, while offering products and services customers can use with confidence.

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  • Global brands continue to shutter stores across China as coronavirus spreads

    Global brands continue to shutter stores across China as coronavirus spreads

    Widespread temporary store closures continue across China as the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the country.

    Officially, China’s New Year holiday – extended by the government for a week to help reduce the spread of the virus – ended yesterday, but office staff was encouraged to work from home.

    Tech giant Apple said on Friday it hoped to reopen corporate offices and contact centers later this week, but the closure of its physical stores would continue indefinitely.

    As at 10am ICT on Tuesday, February 11, 43,108 cases of coronavirus had been confirmed, and 1018 fatalities, almost all of those in Mainland China. However, in an encouraging sign, 4048 people had been confirmed as recovered. The mortality rate has edged up slightly to 2.3 percent with most deaths due to underlying respiratory conditions or pneumonia.

    Brands across fashion, technology and almost every other non-essential retail category continued to shutter stores on the mainland.

    VF Corporation, which owns Timberland, Vans, The North Face and Dickies, says 60 percent of its outlets in Mainland China are closed and those still open have seen “significant declines in retail traffic.”

    Muji and Uniqlo have shut about half of their store networks.

    Japanese makeup company Shiseido estimates its China sales were down 55 percent over Lunar New Year, traditionally a peak selling period. Sales to foreign tourists through Japanese retail outlets were down by 40 percent. The company has launched the Relay of Love Project, “in the hope that everyone affected may return to health and safety as soon as possible”.

    In addition to 1 million CNY (US$143,000) already donated to the Charity Federation of Wuhan, Shiseido will donate a further 10 million CNY ($1.43 million) to the Shanghai Charity Foundation and 1 percent of sales from Asian markets will be reserved for other assistance.

    UK luxury-fashion label Burberry has closed 24 of its 64 stores in China and says those still trading – under reduced hours – have experienced “significant footfall declines”.

    The parent of Kate Spade, Coach and Stuart Weitzman, Tapestry, says it has closed the majority of its stores in China.

    Capri Holdings says that about 150 of its 250 stores trading under the Michael Kors, Versace and Jimmy Choo banners are closed.

  • Uniqlo lauching Ines De La Fressange collection

    Uniqlo lauching Ines De La Fressange collection

    Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo will introduce the Ines De La Fressange 2020 Spring/Summer Collection next week.

    Selected items will be available online and at all stores from January 17 and the full collection will be exclusively available online, and in the Uniqlo Singapore stores at VivoCity and Orchard Central store from January 31.

    Ines De La Fressange 2020 Spring/Summer Collection has three main themes: Paris, Guardians, and Muses.

    While the Paris selection features items with masculine looks, including Tilden knitwear and jersey pants with white and green key colors, the Muses-themed range features light dresses with ruffles and prints in relaxing silhouettes.

    Founded by Ines, a French international model, Ines de la Fressange Paris brand symbolizes French chic and is a style icon for women around the globe. It also encompasses Uniqlo’s LifeWear philosophy, providing clothing that is universal in design and comfort and which meets the needs of daily lifestyles.

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  • Maiden Uniqlo store opens in Ho Chi Minh City

    Maiden Uniqlo store opens in Ho Chi Minh City

    The first Uniqlo Vietnam store opened its doors today, marking the Japanese fast-fashion brand’s sixth market in Southeast Asia.

    Setting its foot in one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, parent Fast Retailing hopes to strengthen its presence in both the country and the region at the same time as Vietnam becomes a manufacturing hub in the face of the ongoing US-China trade war.

    “I think Vietnam has massive potential and will be one of the biggest consumer markets in the world,” said Tadashi Yanai, chairman and CEO of Fast Retailing prior to the opening.

    Yanai described Vietnam as the key market in the region and an important part of the group’s development strategy.

    He said Uniqlo is now producing US$3 billion worth of products in Vietnam annually and plans to increase that even further. However, this does not mean that Vietnamese consumers will experience lower prices for Uniqlo products.

    “We implement a medium- and long-term pricing strategy to ensure revenue and profit for each store… We want to compete with high quality, sustainable products at reasonable prices, not [by] discounting,” said Osamu Ikezoe, Co-CEO of Uniqlo Vietnam.

    Uniqlo is already planning its second store in the country, which will be located in the capital city of Hanoi.

    “We are not talking about 100 stores in Vietnam,” said Yanai. “Much more.”

    The company says it is focusing on physical stores, with no plans to deploy an e-commerce sales channel as yet.

    Located opposite stores of rival fast-fashion chains H&M and Zara, Uniqlo Vietnam’s first store in Ho Chi Minh City is also its largest outlet in Southeast Asia to date, with a gross floor area of 3107sqm across three storeys.

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  • Uniqlo Korea sparks controversy

    Uniqlo Korea sparks controversy

    Uniqlo Korea has sparked yet another round of controversy, this time by distributing free Heattech shirts as part of a new marketing offensive.

    The Japanese apparel company, as part of its 15th Anniversary promotional event, is giving away 100,000 heat-tech shirts on a first-come, first-served basis to all customers purchasing a product, regardless of the price, at Uniqlo Korea offline stores.

    Since the promotion can end early if daily quotas are reached, it wasn’t difficult to find people lining up at stores early in the morning, causing an uproar on South Korean social media.

    Despite the negative reaction, Uniqlo distributed a press release to promote the giveaway, demonstrating its intention to address the public head-on by turning it into ‘noise marketing’.

    South Koreans are increasingly divided over the issue as social figures are joining the debate.

    “The number of customers at Uniqlo soared ever since the giveaway, despite the fact they can’t choose the size or color of the shirt,” said Prof Seo Kyung-duk from Sungshin Women’s University, a Korean PR activist.

    “Why do we have to go there, out of all places, to get free clothes?”

    In contrast, others implicitly argue that, while they respect one’s own belief, the boycott movement should not be forced on anyone.

    The fact that Uniqlo products are being sold online, while offline stores are empty, shows there is a large population of so-called ‘shy Uniqlo’, ‘shy Japan’ consumers in the country.

    Uniqlo Korea sales have plunged in recent months due to an ongoing boycott of Japanese brands and retail networks relating to a lack of apology over the occupation of Korea during the Second World War.

  • Uniqlo Vietnam annouced launch date

    Uniqlo Vietnam annouced launch date

    Uniqlo has signed up a raft of Vietnamese celebrities to launch its much-awaited first store in the country.

    Uniqlo Vietnam will make its debut on December 6, opening in a three-level, 3097sqm space previously occupied by a Parkson department store. It is located opposite the local flagship stores of rival chains H&M and Zara.

    The new store, to be called Uniqlo Dong Khoi after the street it is located on, will be the Japanese apparel brand’s largest in Southeast Asia.

    To support the opening, Uniqlo has launched a campaign video ‘Elevate Everyday’ to introduce LifeWear to Vietnamese consumers, emphasizing how the label is suited to local climate conditions and lifestyle.

    The video features a cast including artist Ngo Thanh Van, footballer Tien Dung, model, actress and entrepreneur Helly Tong, model and activewear enthusiast Tran Hien, writer and interior designer Qui Duc, photographer and skater Pixself, and model and actress Thu Anh.

    While the cast are from different backgrounds, the video shows how LifeWear suits their own unique lifestyles.

    The Elevate Everyday campaign video can be viewed at Uniqlo Vietnam Facebook page.

    “The store will offer both Saigonese people and international visitors a unique shopping experience, with a full line up of LifeWear on three levels,” said Osamu Ikezoe, co-COO at Uniqlo Vietnam. “We look forward to welcoming our first customers on December 6.”

  • First Uniqlo store in Vietnam to open next month

    First Uniqlo store in Vietnam to open next month

    The first store of Japanese casual wear retailer Uniqlo will open December 6 in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, the company said in a statement.

    The 3,000 square meter store, one of its biggest in Southeast Asia, will be located at the Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza on Dong Khoi Road.

    Uniqlo started listing products for men, women and children on its Vietnamese website last month.

    Also last month, it began recruiting salesclerks in Hanoi, after establishing its Vietnam business with a charter capital of $8.8 million. Apparel company Fast Retailing Singapore owns a 75 percent stake and Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation the rest.

    The brand had 213 stores in the Southeast Asia as of last year and plans to have 400 by 2022. Globally, it now has over 2,200 stores in 24 countries and territories.

    Vietnam’s fashion market is estimated to grow to over $3.8 billion this year and over $5 billion by 2021, according to BMI Research.

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  • Uniqlo sales plunge in South Korea

    Uniqlo sales plunge in South Korea

    Massive discount offers have failed to stem a plunge in Uniqlo sales in South Korea, where the Japanese fashion retailer has been targeted by the boycott movement.

    Rep. Park Kwang-on reported based on a compilation of data collected from eight credit card companies in South Korea that Uniqlo sales last month amounted to 9.1 billion won (US$7.8 million), a mere 33 percent of the sales achieved during the same month last year.

    Uniqlo managed to generate only 8.1 billion won (US$7 million) in sales during the massive discount period held between October 1 and 14, which was 39 percent of sales recorded in the same period last year.

    Uniqlo, celebrating the fall and winter seasons, has renovated stores and began a marketing offensive driven by Furis, Heattech, and other signature brands.

    Since October 3, Uniqlo held a 15th anniversary ‘thank you’ event both online and offline, offering discounts of as much as 50 percent for many of its signature products.

    Reports of several products being sold out online and offline stores crowded by customers seemed to suggest that the boycott movement was in decline.

    Park argued, however, that the boycott movement is still strong.

    Top ten, a local fashion brand run by Shinsung Tongsang Co that is seen by many as an alternative to Uniqlo, saw sales last month rise 61 percent year on year.

    “Despite the discount events, Uniqlo sales are far from recovery,” said Park.

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  • Uniqlo to quadruple SE Asia retail store network

    Uniqlo to quadruple SE Asia retail store network

    Japanese casual wear retailer Uniqlo plans a four-fold increase in its Southeast Asian store count during the next decade.

    Tadashi Yanai, chairman, and CEO of the firm’s parent company Fast Retailing said in an interview with Nikkei that Uniqlo is seeking a much faster rate of expansion than it took to build its 800-strong network of stores in greater China.

    “Asia, from China to India with 4 billion people, is the world’s only region that is showing steady growth,” said Yanai.

    He said that for the time being, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar are not being considered as potential markets for the brand because there are too many opportunities outside those countries.

    Next month the Japanese retailer will open its first store in Vietnam. Located in Ho Chi Minh City, the store will be its largest in Southeast Asia and located across the road from Zara’s two-year-old Vietnam flagship and a rival H&M’s store.

    Uniqlo operates around 2200 outlets internationally.

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