Uniqlo Sets Ambitious Expansion Plans with 200 New Stores in North America
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- Published: Thursday, 18 January 2024 17:00
In a strategic move to strengthen its presence in North America, Uniqlo, the Japanese retail giant, has announced plans to open 200 new stores in the region by 2027. Currently, the brand operates 72 stores across the United States and Canada and aims to open over 20 additional stores by the end of the year, bringing the total count to 92.
The expansion strategy includes venturing into new markets, with a particular focus on branding, enhancing customer interactions, and delivering high-quality products at competitive prices. Masahiko Nakasuji, Executive Officer of Fast Retailing Group and Head of Marketing for Uniqlo North America, attributes the brand's success and growth in the region to these key factors.
Uniqlo's commitment to providing customers with superior products and a unique shopping experience has been evident since the opening of its first store in 2005. The brand has cultivated a loyal customer base and introduced its proprietary brand concept, LifeWear. This concept aims to offer iconic, well-designed, and functional products that enhance customers' daily lives.
As part of its customer-centric approach, Uniqlo North America introduced the Re.Uniqlo Repair Studio at its flagship store in SoHo, New York City, in 2022. The repair hub offers services such as button replacement, seam repairs, and patching holes at a nominal cost of $5. This initiative aligns with the Re.Uniqlo program, promoting a circular apparel system centered around the four Rs: reduce, replace, re-use, and recycle.
In 2024, Uniqlo has identified several key locations for new store openings, including Providence, RI, marking the brand's entry into a new market. Other locations include Tacoma Mall in Tacoma, Wash.; Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Wash.; South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Mass.; and Staten Island Mall in Staten Island, New York.
Uniqlo's expansion in North America reflects the brand's confidence in the market and its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality fashion to a broader audience. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, Uniqlo's focus on customer engagement, innovative concepts like LifeWear, and sustainability initiatives positions it for continued success in the competitive North American market.