By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat
After six successful years in the Philippines, Uniqlo, Japanese-owned global apparel retailer, opened its first Global Flagship Store in Manila, the brand’s largest store in Southeast Asia.
Satoshi Hatase, CEO, UNIQLO Southeast Asia and Oceania, said the Uniqlo Manila Fragship store brings the very best of brand’s LifeWear, service, visual merchandizing, creativity, and store operations.
The flagship store, which spans two levels, covering 4,100 square meters of space at Glorietta 5 along Ayala Avenue, opened its doors to the public on Friday, Oct. 5.
A reference to the store’s opening campaign Our Future Is Here, the first floor features artworks by members of the Plus63 Design group. Capturing the cultural zeitgeist of the country, the team worked with UNIQLO to create a series of murals depicting scenes of everyday life in the Philippines, taking inspiration from its vibrancy and diversity to tell the story of each Filipino’s journey.
The iconic Global Flagship Store also highlights UNIQLO MANILA’s design, including revolving mannequins in the store atrium display windows, and stunning LED displays throughout.
Located on the first floor is a section dedicated to UNIQLO’s proprietary technology products, AIRism and HEATTECH. Here, customers can find ideal innerwear all year round to suit warm, cold, and even transitional weather.
One of the jewels of UNIQLO MANILA, the Kids and Baby section, will be the biggest in the country. Located on the first floor of the store, the area will feature the brand’s lineup of innovative and versatile children’s wear, displayed amongst colorful graphics seen on the walls and on the floor.
The complete lineup of Fall and Winter Collection will be available and customers will be treated to a wealth of products ideal for the season. Key items include cashmere sweaters, Ultra Light Down, and Seamless Down parkas, among others.
The dedicated UT corner on the second floor will showcase UT designs from the most popular collections including MAGIC FOR ALL, Hokusai Blue, SPRZ NY, JUMP 50th, Minions, among others.
Apart from the largest UT selection in the country, a special mannequin display will showcase a collaborative design project with Japanese stylist Shun Watanabe and Filipino visual artist and UNIQLO MANILA Future Hero, Leeroy New. The display will showcase Watanabe’s on-trend styling with New’s sustainable and eye catching headpieces.