By Bryle B. Suralta
Uniqlo fans, have we got news for you! The Japanese global apparel retailer opens Uniqlo Manila, the largest Uniqlo store in all of Southeast Asia!
The store’s opening comes as the brand celebrates its six-year anniversary in the Philippines. Located at Glorietta 5 in Makati, the new global flagship store brings you the very best of what Uniqlo has to offer, from its LifeWear and service to its visual merchandising, store operations and creativity.
“Uniqlo Manila is an important example of our commitment to Southeast Asia. It is one of the largest Uniqlo stores in the world and is a big step toward continued Uniqlo growth in the region and globally,” said Uniqlo Southeast Asia and Oceania CEO Satoshi Hatase.
With two levels and 4,100 square meters of space, the store brings together a local and global touch. Uniqlo Manila also combines Filipino ingenuity and creativity with the innovative retail experience that the store is known for.
Brand ambassadors Pia Wurtzbach and Atom Araullo attended the preview launch as members of the media, partners and guests marveled at the wide selection of the latest seasonal apparel.
The first floor features art pillars by the members of the local design group Plus63 Design, capturing the cultural zeitgeist of everyday Filipino life. As a testament of how important the Philippine and Southeast Asian markets are to the global Japanese brand, the opening was also graced by Uniqlo founder, CEO and president Tadashi Yanai. He was joined by SM Investment’s vice chair Tessie Sy-Coson and Ayala Corporation chair and CEO Jaime Augustu Zobel de Ayala.
A special mannequin display by artist-designer and “Future Hero” campaign ambassador Leeroy New and Japanese stylist Shun Watanabe is also featured at the store’s second level. The display highlights Watanabe’s on-trend styling with New’s signature design.
The complete fall and winter collection was on display as well, showcasing Uniqlo key items such as cashmere sweaters, ultra light down jackets and seamless down parkas, among others.
In a span of six years—opening its first store in 2012—Uniqlo now has 61 outlets in the country. And with Uniqlo Manila, the brand plans on delivering the ultimate Manila shopping experience.
For more updates, visit Uniqlo Manila’s official website at www.uniqlo.com/ph/manila.
