Uniqlo ‘global flagship’ store in Makati is brand’s largest in Southeast Asia

Uniqlo
The new Uniqlo ‘global flagship’ store in Makati, which opened today

Uniqlo has opened its first ‘global flagship’ store in the Philippines — and it’s the brand’s biggest outlet in Southeast Asia.

Celebrities and eager shoppers were on hand today (Friday, October 5) to welcome the clothing and lifestyle brand to Makati.

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Uniqlo said the new global flagship is one of only 15 worldwide and has 4,100 square metres — or 44,100sq-ft — of sales floor area.

In a press release, the brand said: “Situated at prime locations in cities of global prominence, Uniqlo Global Flagship Stores represent the best and latest of the brand, its LifeWear clothing and its famed customer service, all set in cutting-edge store design on a grand scale. 

“Uniqlo has chosen Manila as the location of its newest flagship store to strengthen the foundation of its business in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia – a key global growth engine for the brand.”

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Uniqlo’s other global flagship stores are in such prestigious locations as New York’s Fifth Avenue, London’s Oxford Street, Paris’ Opera District, Ginza in Tokyo and Orchard Road in Singapore.

Satoshi Hatase, Uniqlo’s chief executive officer for Southeast Asia and Oceania, said: “This exciting new retail environment and experience will help put our Manila business in the global spotlight. 

“We sense growing enthusiasm in the community here and hope to share the very best of the Filipino lifestyle, culture and optimism with the world through our flagship store.” 

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The Japanese brand has been operating in the Philippines since 2012 and currently has 48 stores across the country.

The brand plans to enter Vietnam next year and is on track to hit its target of tripling sales in Southeast Asia to $2.6 billion.

The expansion puts Fast Retailing — the parent company of the brand — in a strong position to capitalise on the region’s growing middle class, said Thomas Jastrzab, Bloomberg Intelligence industry analyst.

“Uniqlo’s value-priced basics such as t-shirts and skirts should appeal to budget-minded consumers dealing with rising inflation,” he said.

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