Uniqlo making a significant comeback in the United States

Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo, a part of the Fast Retailing group, is making a significant comeback in the United States, with plans to open 11 new stores in 2024. The expansion includes six stores in California and five in Texas, marking Uniqlo's debut in the Lone Star State. This move is part of the company's ambitious plan to have 200 stores in the U.S. and Canada by 2027. Currently, Uniqlo operates 74 stores in North America, with 53 in the U.S. and 21 in Canada.

Uniqlo, known for its simple, unisex casual wear, first entered the North American market in 2005. However, the brand initially struggled to resonate with American consumers, leading to the closure of some stores, including a flagship location at the Westfield Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus, New Jersey. Despite these early setbacks, Uniqlo North America reported a profit in fiscal 2022 and significant growth in the following fiscal year, which ended on August 31, 2023.

The upcoming expansion will see Uniqlo opening its first Texas stores in Houston and Dallas, with five locations in total. The retailer will also extend its West Coast presence by opening its first stores in San Diego and Sacramento. The new store locations include:

Texas:

1. Memorial City Mall, Houston

2. First Colony Mall, Sugar Land

3. Galleria Dallas, Dallas

4. Parks Mall at Arlington, South Arlington

5. Stonebriar Centre, Frisco

California:

1. Arden Fair, Sacramento

2. Westfield Galleria at Roseville, Sacramento

3. Westfield UTC, San Diego

4. Westfield Century City, Los Angeles

5. Westfield Fashion Square, Sherman Oaks

6. Westfield Oakridge, San Jose

Yoshihide Shindo, CEO of Uniqlo USA, expressed confidence in the brand's expansion, stating that Uniqlo's apparel suits the lifestyles and climate of Houston and Dallas. He also emphasized Uniqlo's commitment to the West Coast, where the company has seen strong interest from e-commerce customers.

The first Uniqlo store was named Unique Clothing Warehouse, and the brand now boasts more than 2,400 stores worldwide.