Just 10 years ago , SoHo switch for the cooler when UNIQLO opened its spherical flagship computer memory – its first United States placement – at 546 Broadway . The concept , “ From Tokyo to New York , ” brought Japanese culture to the already culture NYC neighborhood .
Now , the store has been totally redesigned , a move that Fast Retailing ’s President of Global Creative John Jay tells us “ shows [ UNIQLO ’s ] sand and determination , as well as our sense of direction . ” The unexampled concept , “ A New Tokyo in SoHo , ” looks toward the future , he explicate . “ It was inspired by the on-going evolution of what we make , which is LifeWear , and the constant change that Tokyo typify . ”
We rent an exclusive hitch earlier in the week with Fast Retailing ’s Director of Global PR Aldo Liguori and , valet , that is one silken memory . The store reopen September 2nd , just in time for some fall shopping , and even if you ’re not in the market for a raw hoodie , it ’s deserving a trip-up to check out , for the design alone . Here are a few reasons you ’ll want to visit the redesigned store ( like , now ) – and why the experience is about so much more than just buy at .
Courtesy of UNIQLO
They did it for SoHo
UNIQLO is n’t just a stead where you may get a calibre push - down or Supima cotton tank top ( AKA literally the softest cotton money can buy ) ; it ’s a company that ’s constantly incorporating new engineering to furnish its customers with the best products possible . And its become an important part of the SoHo residential district .
“ [ This ] is an important milestone for us , ” Jay say . “ We want to thank our neighbors and customer through programs we will pioneer at the SoHo stock and celebrate other businesses in our neighborhood . ” To name a few , UNIQLO will partner with local stores , restaurants , non - profit formation like Free Arts NYC , and municipal means such as the NYC Department of Homeless Services to make NYC a better station .
So , more than just a redesign , the upshot marks a solidification of UNIQLO ’s place in New York , and , as US CEO Hiroshi Taki said in a public press release , the company ’s “ commitment to change our roots in the community over many eld to come . ”
It’s shopping made simple
take the air through the unexampled store and you ’ll finger a sense of comfort backwash over you . You do n’t acknowledge it at first – why are you not sense stressed and rushed and crowded ? That ’s because the store has think of everything for you . Minimalist signs designate UNIQLO ’s workshop - in - shop areas severalize you where everything you need is site .
Looking for activewear ? That ’d be “ Get Moving ” which feature the tagline “ Performance and comfort for life , ” as well as products like sweatpants and breathable cotton deoxythymidine monophosphate - shirts . “ live Well ” subtly lets you know you ’re in loungewear , while “ Tokyo Men ” highlights “ Classics remixed , Tokyo style . ” Not only is the new design expertly organise , but there are more style mannequins wearing full getup for # inspo , and each shop - in - shop class area has every detail you ’ll require to make a complete look . you could get in and get out in 10 minutes if you want to ( but you probably wo n’t ) .
You can skip the crowds at MoMa
Towards the back of the store is a shop - in - shop orbit called The SoHo Loft . In a newfangled partnership with MoMa , UNIQLO has gained entree to various work of creative person such as Andy Warhol , Keith Haring , and Jean - Michel Basquiat , some of whose portraits hang mural - size on the computer memory walls . Because SoHo “ has a real place of importance in the chronicle of American contemporaneous art , ” Jay says this partnership was a natural convulsion .
And beginning in November , both up - and - coming and established artist will come to the store to give lecture and seminars . “ The life of creativity has evolve beyond personal expressions of art to further self - expression by many , through style and lifestyle , ” consort to Jay . So yes , UNIQLO is taking their commitment to art very seriously .
Who doesn’t love free stuff?
And if all of that ’s not enough , there ’s a boatload of free stuff you could win ( if you act fast ) . This weekend only , the first 1,000 client each day will be hand mystery gift cards ranging from $ 5 to $ 100 . There ’ll also be a Japanese - elan vending auto in the store through Labor Day , grant you the opportunity to win anything from candy wrapped like sushi , to a bicycle from tokyobike , a mate of UNIQLO founded in – you venture it – Tokyo . But keep coming back cause MatchaBar will be serving up matcha green tea leaf lattes and other treat every weekend in September .
Courtesy of UNIQLO
Courtesy of UNIQLO
Courtesy of UNIQLO
Courtesy of UNIQLO
