Global apparel retailer UNIQLO is set to open the UNIQLO Maebashi Minami IC Store this month in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The store features innovative design elements with various energy-saving features and an expanded suite of lifestyle services to encourage customers to spend the day with UNIQLO and return time and time again.
Kashiwa Sato, Creative Director and CEO, SAMURAI Inc. and Chief Creative Director for the project, developed the concept for the roadside store wanting to appeal to customers and embody the UNIQLO philosophy of contributing to the development of a prosperous society and realisation of a better world. The store is intended to be the prototype for all future roadside stores globally.
UNIQLO worked with Takenaka Corporation to incorporate nine energy-saving features in the new store. These features include skylights, solar panels, brightness and motion sensors and insulation made from recycled clothing. The energy-saving features reflect the company’s commitment to reducing its energy footprint.
UNIQLO Maebashi Minami IC Store’s expanded lifestyle services range includes the first permanent RE.UNIQLO STUDIO clothing reuse, recycle, repair and remake service. The service was initially trialled in October 2022 in Japan. Other lifestyle services include the UNIQLO FLOWER florist shop, UNIQLO COFFEE cafe, and UNIQLO KIDS BOX area.
Group Executive Officer Masahiro Endo said: "With the new Maebashi Minami IC Store, we have created a new type of UNIQLO, where customers can both shop for our clothing, as well as gather and connect with each other. Reducing our energy consumption was also at the front of mind when developing the store, and the various technical and design features utilised represent meaningful steps towards meeting our 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets."
UNIQLO is a Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. brand, a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group. Fast Retailing is one of the world's largest apparel retail companies, and UNIQLO is Japan's leading specialty retailer.
