Uniqlo to double flagship stores in Japan in strategy pivot

• Uniqlo is pivoting its store strategy in Japan to focus on large flagship stores in major urban centers.
• This shift is influenced by the growth of e-commerce, with CEO Tadashi Yanai suggesting a reduced need for standard stores.
• A new global flagship store will open in Shinjuku, Tokyo on October 25.
• The Shinjuku store will be the fourth global flagship in Japan and the first in four years.
• The Shinjuku store will span approximately 4,000 square meters and offer the full range of products available in Japan.

Uniqlo, owned by Fast Retailing, is pivoting its store strategy in Japan to focus on large flagship stores in major urban centers, moving away from standardized outlets. This shift is influenced by the growth of e-commerce, with CEO Tadashi Yanai suggesting a reduced need for standard stores.

The company plans to open similar flagship stores in urban centers across Japan. This strategy is exemplified by the upcoming opening of the Shinjuku Main Store on October 25, which will be the fourth global flagship in Japan and the first in four years. The Shinjuku store will span approximately 4,000 square meters and offer the full range of products available in Japan, along with curated selections for European and U.S. markets.

Fast Retailing's broader strategy includes invigorating growth in Greater China, where revenue totaled ¥650.2 billion in FY2025, and accelerating growth in North America, which saw revenue increase by 24.5% to ¥271.1 billion in FY2025. The company is also focusing on improving store quality and developing tailored product lineups for regional needs, including successful flagship stores in Wuhan, Chengdu, and Changsha.