Japanese retail group Fast Retailing has confirmed it will be opening its first Australian Uniqlo store in Melbourne in autumn 2014.
Uniqlo has elected Emporium Melbourne, a new retail complex in Melbourne’s CBD, as the location of its first Australian presence.
"We are very excited to be opening our first store in Melbourne, Australia,” Shoichi Miyasaka, CEO of Uniqlo Australia and Fast Retailing Group senior vice president, said.
“The city is a great centre of style and we hope to make Uniqlo an essential stop for fashion-conscious Melbourne shoppers looking for high quality, affordable clothes. Our goal is to build a loyal customer base by offering every visitor the outstanding level of customer service that Uniqlo is known for within Japan, in a comfortable and welcoming shopping environment."
The store will measure approximately 2,180 square meters that will spread over four floors – two basement floors and two above ground floors. It will offer visitors a full line-up of Uniqlo apparel for men, women, kids and babies.
The entry into Australia marks the latest step in the company’s ongoing international expansion in the Asia Pacific region. It follows the retailer’s debut in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia.
Miyasaka said the company views Australia as a key market in establishing its brand in the Asia and Oceania region and a first step into markets in the southern hemisphere.
Uniqlo follows of other international counterparts including Zara, TopShop, Gap and H&M, which is also expected to make its debut in Australia in 2014.