At long last, UNIQLO opened its relocated flagship store in the Ginza neighbourhood of the Japanese capital. The store, dubbed UNIQLO Tokyo, is situated at Maronnier Gate 2, a 1980s complex opposite Yurakucho Station. It’s the third and final major store opening of late in the sprawling Tokyo metropolitan area, and it’s quite a sight to behold. The Japanese retailer tapped acclaimed Swiss architecture practice Herzog & de Meuron to create a fitting interior design, resulting in a striking redevelopment of the premises. Where the building meets the street, the exposed concrete frame becomes a type of arcade, welcoming shoppers off the street. The structure is left open at the two corner entrances, anticipating the voluminous atrium inside.
Measuring 4,959 sqm. (53,378 sq.ft.), the original interior has been stripped, revealing a concrete shell, replete with beams and columns, which has become the store’s splendorous backdrop of choice. The atrium allows shoppers to behold almost the entire store from top to bottom. Concrete may be a dominant element in the design, but the settings on each of the double-height floors is far from monotonous, featuring ample use of other materials, such as timber, metal, and coloured panel and mirror. So, what can be found on the shelves? On the ground floor of UNIQLO Tokyo, right below the atrium, the brand’s LifeWear collection is presented with a special installation, surrounded by other apparel collections for both men and women. One floor up, it’s the women’s domain, featuring the full range of women’s lines, from anything casual to formal wear.
In fact, it’s the biggest presentation of UNIQLO‘s women’s apparel on the planet. The fitting room area has been given special treatment as it looks like a gallery space with framed photographs gracing the walls. The third floor is dedicated to menswear and sees an equally elaborate presentation, featuring anything from casual wear and sportswear, to high-quality wear. A special corner is dedicated to sportswear that displays garments with signatures of UNIQLO-sponsored athletes Kei Nishikori, Ayumu Hirano and Roger Federer. The top floor is home to the popular UT T-shirt collections, in addition to apparel for kids and babies. Special features at UNIQLO Tokyo include a flower shop where seasonal flowers can be purchased, a permanent exhibition which focuses on the world’s largest sustainability activities, and a spacious play area for kids.
UNIQLO Tokyo
3-2-1 Ginza (Ginza)
Tokyo 104-0061
Telephone: +81 3 62625181
Daily 10-9
Publishers Note
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