Talking Shop: A unique glow at Japanese clothing store Uniqlo
Shoppers won’t need a passport to browse a spread of ultra-light down jackets, cashmere sweaters and Supima T-shirts made from Japanese retailer Uniqlo.
The international brand opened its first Southern California store last month at South Coast Plaza, adding to the company’s 1,400 stores in 16 markets worldwide with locations in Australia, Germany and Russia.
Uniqlo, which first opened in Hiroshima in 1984, is often compared to the American company Gap, though its store associates are trained to return charge cards to customers “Japanese style,” with two hands and full eye contact.
The clothing store offers stylish basics at affordable prices.
“Uniqlo clothes are made for all highly finished elements of style in clothes that suit your values wherever you live,” said founder Tadashi Yanai on the company’s website. “This unique concept of clothes sets us apart from apparel companies whose sole purpose is the pursuit of fashion trends.”
At the South Coast Plaza location, mannequins revolving in the glass windows displayed classic puffer vests, checkered flannel shirts and dark-colored jeans.
Along with the store’s consistent sell of staples of outerwear, tops, bottoms and dresses, there are sections devoted to special collections.
Uniqlo presented an exclusive product at its new location at South Coast Plaza by introducing Pure Blue Japan Project, an assortment of jean jackets, shirts and cropped shirts inspired by Japanese indigo denim.
“We’re very proud to be a part of this community,” said Larry Meyer, chief executive of Uniqlo USA, as he stood before a crowd anticipating the store’s opening.
Customers began queuing in front of the storefront windows at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, to shop at 10 a.m. While waiting, shoppers watched a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting featuring performances by traditional Japanese Taiko drummers.
“We’re pleased with our relationship, and we want your lives to be lived easier with our products,” said Werner Escher, South Coast Plaza’s executive director of domestic and international markets.
Among the eight executives cutting the ceremonial ribbon were Anton Segerstrom, Costa Mesa Mayor Jim Righeimer and Josh Silverman, Disney’s executive vice president of licensing for consumer products.
The new store houses many of the retailer’s popular collaborations, including the Disney collection and designers such as Michael Bastian and Ines de la Fressange.
De la Fressange, a French fashion model who became Karl Lagerfeld’s muse and Chanel’s star model from 1983 until 1990, launched her own brand, Ines De La Fressange Paris, and collaborated with Uniqlo to create a line of women’s clothing. The apparel was part of the Uniqlo LifeWear 2014 Spring and Summer Collection.
“It’s affordable Parisian,” said Uniqlo spokeswoman Eileen McMaster as she motioned toward a display of striped pants, tailored jackets and wrap dresses.
The company also recently introduced its collaboration with Pharrell Williams, the pop star famous for the song “Happy,” on a line of T-shirts and accessories. The artist shared his philosophy of life with tees reading “The same is lame,” and “Have you found your purpose in art?”
The 18,000-square-foot store marked Uniqlo’s 25th U.S. store and fifth retail location that has opened this year in the company’s projected 18-store rollout scheduled through November.
That rollout continues with a Los Angeles flagship scheduled for October at Beverly Center.
Though Beverly Hills holds the title for a larger store at 30,000 square feet, South Coast Plaza is the only location to offer Uniqlo’s Pure Blue Japan collection, and it’s one of the few to offer the company’s UTme! T-shirt customization kiosk. Customers may create original T-shirt designs at the store on a smartphone or tablet computer touch screen. The graphic is then printed onto a T-shirt in their size and delivered to customers’ homes.
Uniqlo will open new mall stores Friday in Northridge, Glendale and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, after its Orange County arrival.
“We welcome where the world comes to shop,” Escher said. “This store puts a glow on all our faces.”
IF YOU GO
What: Uniqlo
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa
Information: (877) 486-4756 or visit uniqlo.com