In celebration of its sixth anniversary in Philippine shores, Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO, opens its doors to UNIQLO MANILA–the first Global Flagship Store in the country. The brand’s largest store in Southeast Asia will bring together the very best of UNIQLO through its LifeWear, service, visual merchandising, store operations and creativity.
Located at the heart of Glorietta 5 in Ayala Center, Makati City, UNIQLO global and local executives, brand ambassadors, influencers, and fans, broke ground to the huge space teeming with everything loved about the retail giant evidenced by its latest collections, impressive artistic collaborations, and community-building efforts.
Satoshi Hatase, CEO, UNIQLO Southeast Asia and Oceania, shared at the media preview, “Our Global Flagship Stores are designed as showcases to the world, displaying the very best that UNIQLO has to offer. 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.”
UNIQLO founder Tadashi Yanai welcomed guests and expressed excitement in unveiling the newly-christened flagship store–making it the brand’s 51st store in the country since it started operations in the Philippines since 2012.
Teresita Sy-Coson of SM Investment Corporations and Jaime Zobel de Ayala and Fernando Zobel de Ayala of the Ayala Corporation were in attendance, celebrating the brand’s latest milestone, along with UNIQLO’s roster of Future Heroes and brand ambassadors fronted by Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach and news anchor and advocate Atom Araullo along with a lineup of game changers across industries.
Apart from a full collection of LifeWear-innovative clothing, UNIQLO prides itself in customizing every in-store experience to meet the needs of customers–bringing a space that brings together local and global flavor. UNIQLO MANILA seamlessly combines Filipino ingenuity and creativity with the brand’s global and innovative retail expertise, exhibited in the vast expanse of its 4,100-square meter-store structure, spanning two full levels of everything distinctly UNIQLO.
The brand showed off unique elements seen in the store in its exclusive preview including iconic Global Flagship Store features that are incorporated into UNIQLO MANILA’s design, with highlights from revolving mannequins in the store atrium display windows, and remarkable LED displays throughout.
Art Pillars courtesy of Plus 63 Design are also seen referencing to the brand’s latest Our Future is Here campaign. Said pillars capture 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.
UNIQLO MANILA customers will also have the exclusive access to the yet-to-be-released game, JUMP FORCE by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment. This is the first preview of this game in the Philippines and only available at UNIQLO MANILA. The game will launch in 2019 and UNIQLO customers can enjoy the gaming space until December 31, 2018.
In its spacious structure, UNIQLO expectedly brought a full array of available style staples, from its signature seasonal design offerings to latest revolutionary tech and topnotch pop culture and art collaborations.
Technology Section
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.
UNIQLO Kids and Baby Section
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.
Complete Fall and Winter Collection Lineup
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.
A Dedicated UT and Collaboration Area
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.
MAGIC FOR ALL Selection
Made for all members of the family, MAGIC FOR ALL is a collaboration between UNIQLO and The Walt Disney Company that aims to capture the wonder of Disney in everyday fashion. Key MAGIC FOR ALL collections featured at UNIQLO MANILA include:
Mickey Blue. This collection is inspired by the rich blue of traditional Japanese indigo.
Mickey Art by Andy Warhol. The collection features the 20th century pop art legend’s take on the beloved icon Mickey Mouse
Love & Mickey Mouse Collection by Kate Moross. The collection features the work of visual artist Kate Moross notably through her dynamic monochrome treatments of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse drawings. The designs also incorporate playful lettering for a perfect street style look.