JAPANESE fashion brand Uniqlo is set to open its first Glasgow store on Thursday.
Located on Argyle Street, the store contains several nods to the city and Scotland’s heritage, including a partnership with Tunnocks and collaborations with Govanhill Baths Community Trust and Glasgow-based mural artists Cobalt Collective.
The National was given a first look inside the new shop before it officially opens to the public.
Alessandro Dudech, chief operating officer at Uniqlo UK, said: “We are excited to open our new store on Argyle Street, one of Scotland's most iconic and historic shopping destinations.
“Perfectly positioned in the heart of Glasgow's thriving retail scene, this location offers the ideal setting to showcase our LifeWear to a diverse and dynamic community of shoppers.
“It also gives us a fantastic opportunity to champion local partners as part of this opening, collaborating with creatives and organisations that reflect the spirit and energy of the city."
For a limited period of time, customers can have their Uniqlo pieces embroidered with Tunnocks motifs in its RE:Uniqlo station – including the brand’s famous teacakes and caramel wafers.
Located on the upper floor, customers can also have damaged items repaired as well as recycle old, unwanted pieces.
Cobalt Collective have added a mural to the staircase wall, featuring the Duke of Wellington statue with a traffic cone on its head.
Govanhill Baths Community Trust provided an installation that tells the story of the city, made from discarded Uniqlo pieces, and pays tribute to the firm’s Japanese roots. It features a handcrafted tapestry wall and a sashiko inspired denim seating area.
As part of its partnership with Social Bite, store and corporate staff volunteered in the charity’s café on Buchanan Street. The firm is set to donate thermal pieces for those experiencing homelessness this winter through its Heart of LifeWear campaign.
The Argyle Street premises has the same mirrored layout featured in its Edinburgh branch on Princess Street and contains a range of items new and old for women, men and children. A line of pyjamas featuring popular cartoon characters, including Miffy, are also available.
It officially opens to the public on Thursday, October 2, with limited price promotions on selected items exclusive to Argyle Street.
The first 100 customers to spend £60 on opening day and on Saturday October 4 will receive goody bags, whilst Uniqlo app users will be in with a chance of winning a trip to Tokyo by scanning the app with any purchase made during opening weekend.
