Uniqlo to unveil global prototype roadside store

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Apr 19, 2023

Uniqlo is taking big retail step on Friday, opening a new type of store at Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. It said this “represents a prototype for global roadside Uniqlo stores going forward, and features innovative design elements that are a first-of-their-kind for the company”.

Kashiwa Sato, Creative Director and CEO of Samurai Inc, has been Chief Creative Director for the project and developed the new concept that “both appeals to customers and embodies the Uniqlo philosophy of contributing to the development of a prosperous society and realisation of a better world,” we’re told. 

It has been designed with a range of energy-saving features, as well as an expanded suite of lifestyle services. 

Group Executive Officer Masahiro Endo said that “customers can both shop for our clothing, as well as gather and connect with each other. Reducing our energy consumption was also at the front of mind when developing the store, and the various technical and design features represent meaningful steps towards meeting our 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets”.

The company said that most of the electricity used in conventional Uniqlo stores is for lighting and air conditioning and “through the integration of various types of energy-saving lighting fixtures and other technologies”, this one is expected to use around 40% less electricity. Energy generated from solar panels is also estimated to offset around 15% of the total power consumption.

The basic design has been geared to energy saving with features such as skylights and a large glass façade for natural lighting; eaves to reduce the amount of energy used for interior lighting and air conditioning; an air curtain near the automatic door helping to control the balance between indoor air pressure and the air outside; brightness sensors to control in-store lighting; motion sensors in areas such as the stockroom and back rooms; CO2/temperature sensors, turning fans on as necessary; and insulation made from recycled clothing.

Meanwhile, expanded customer lifestyle services include Japan's first permanent RE.Uniqlo Studio to encourage take up of the reuse, recycle, repair, and remake service.

There are also seasonal flowers from Uniqlo Flower, a Relax at Uniqlo Coffee Box, a Kids Box play area, and a garden space.