Uniqlo

Uniqlo, initially known as Unique Clothing Warehouse, was established. Tadashi Yanai's focus on understanding customer needs rather than just selling products was crucial to the success of the company.

UNIQLO was founded in 1974 with the belief that simple, well-designed clothes can benefit everyone, leading to a better world.

Uniqlo was founded in Japan in 1984 and has since expanded globally. It has become Japan's largest clothing retailer with over 700 stores in the country.

In 1985, Uniqlo opened its first roadside store in Japan, marking the beginning of its expansion into a global brand.

In 1993, Tadashi shifted all production of Uniqlo clothing to China, marking an unprecedented move for a Japanese company. This decision aimed to reduce production costs and increase profits.

By 1998, Uniqlo had over 300 stores in Japan and had sold two million units of their fleece jacket within a year, leading to significant business growth and recognition.

By 1998, Uniqlo had expanded to over 300 stores.

Uniqlo conducted its initial public offering in Tokyo in 1999, marking a significant milestone in the company's financial history.

In 2001, Uniqlo established its first office outside Japan in London, signaling the company's expansion into international markets.

On June 14, 2001, Uniqlo made the decision to embark on global expansion, with the UK being one of the initial target markets for opening stores.

Uniqlo initiated its expansion into the UK on December 26, 2001.

Within 18 months of its global expansion, Uniqlo closed 16 of its London stores and all three New Jersey locations due to fierce competition from American retailers and challenges with sizing metrics.

Due to the small size and suburban locations of most stores, Uniqlo closed the majority of its UK stores in 2003.

In 2004, Uniqlo made innovation its top priority. They introduced cashmere and thermal garments made from a new fabric called HeatTech, aiming to enhance their product offerings.

Uniqlo implemented a new strategy of opening large stores in major cities around the world.

Uniqlo opened more stores internationally, increasing the number from 54 to 92, including flagship stores in London and Paris.

Uniqlo began its relaunch in November 2006 with the opening of a flagship store in New York.

On November 26, 2008, the number of international stores for Uniqlo increased from 54 to 92 over the next two years, including flagship stores in London and Paris.

In April 3, 2009, Uniqlo hired the German designer Jil Sander, signifying a strategic move in the fashion industry.

Uniqlo opened its first store in Singapore on 9 April 2009 in Tampines 1, and later opened a new store at Tampines Mall on 5 February 2021, following the closure of the former store on 17 January 2021.

On September 2, 2009, Fast Retailing announced ambitious sales and profit targets for Uniqlo, aiming to become the world's biggest specialty retailer of private label apparel by 2020.

The collection of Jil Sander went on sale in selected stores, resulting in Uniqlo making profits of 49.8 billion.

On 4 November 2010, Uniqlo opened its first store in Malaysia, in Fahrenheit 88 located in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. As of October 2021, Uniqlo now has 48 outlets located across Malaysia, including an online store.

On 11 November 2011, Uniqlo's flagship store in central Seoul generated more than 2 billion won ($1.7 million) in one day's sales, setting the highest sales figure ever by a fashion outlet in Korea.

Uniqlo opened a G.U. store in Tokyo in 2012, in addition to its flagship store. The concept of G.U. involves selling low-price, basic branded clothing, sometimes in collaboration with designers like Philip Lim and Alexander Wang.

Uniqlo's first store in the Philippines opened at the SM Mall of Asia on 15 June 2012. On its sixth anniversary, the company opened its flagship store in the country at Glorietta 5 in Makati, it opened on 5 October 2018.

On September 27, 2012, Uniqlo collaborated with Japanese tech retailer Bic Camera to open a store in Shinjuku called Bicqlo, which later became a regular Bic Camera store.

On 22 June 2013, Uniqlo opened its first Indonesian store at Lotte Mall (formerly Lotte Shopping Avenue), Ciputra World 1, Jakarta. It has expanded to 69 stores as of March 2024, spreading across various cities in Indonesia.

In 2014, Uniqlo was recognized as the Retailer of the Year by the World Retail Congress.

The first Belgian Uniqlo store opened in October 2015 at Meir, Antwerp, marking its entry into the Belgian market.

Uniqlo opened their first Canadian store at the Toronto Eaton Centre on 30 September 2016, marking its entry into the Canadian market.

Uniqlo collaborated with Engineered Garments to release limited and in-demand products, such as fleeces, which were still incredibly affordable, priced at under $100. This collaboration showcased Uniqlo's ability to offer high-quality items at affordable prices.

In 2018, tennis player Roger Federer became Uniqlo's third global brand ambassador.

Uniqlo has expanded globally and now operates 1,900 stores worldwide, making it a significant player in the fast fashion retail industry.

The first Dutch Uniqlo store was opened at the Kalverstraat in Amsterdam on 28 September 2018. As of August 2021, a second store was opened at the Grote Marktstraat in The Hague.

On June 3, 2019, artist KAWS participated in the KAWS x UNIQLO UT collection launch, adding a subversive art touch to Uniqlo's trademark collections.

On 9 April 2021, Uniqlo opened its Indonesian flagship and most iconic store at Pondok Indah Mall 3, Jakarta.

On 28 October 2022, Uniqlo opened its first roadside store in Indonesia at Heritage Lifestyle Hub in Bandung, West Java, thus becoming the sixth country outside Japan to get a Uniqlo roadside store.

The second Uniqlo roadside store as well as its first neighborhood store in Indonesia opened at One District at Puri in Metland Cyber Puri in Tangerang, Banten on 26 May 2023.

On August 16, 2023, Uniqlo announced a collaboration with designer Clare Waight Keller, launching a fall collection across 1,500 stores globally as well as online.

As of 15 November 2023, there are 36 stores in Australia including in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra, indicating a significant presence of Uniqlo in the Australian retail market.