Uniqlo continuing U.S. expansion

Uniqlo is continuing what appears to be its potential global domination of America. The brand has announced that they will be opening three new stores in America, including one at Bellevue Collection in Seattle, Washington, one at Tyson's Center in Tysons Corner, Virginia, and one at Denver Pavilion in Denver, Colorado. These three stores are slated to open in spring 2016, just in time for people to start doing their vacation shopping.

Uniqlo currently has 39 locations in the U.S., with a major presence along the East and West Coasts, particularly in New York City and California. These three new stores will bring their presence in the U.S. to ten different markets. The retailer opened its first U.S. location in New York City's Soho neighborhood in 2006.

The company has announced their intention to open a flagship location in Boston this summer, although very few details have been revealed about the store. A 60,000 square foot flagship will be opening in Chicago this fall on Michigan Avenue which is home to several other prominent retailers, including Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, and Loft. The U.S. isn't enough for Uniqlo, however.

Uniqlo coming to three new states

They have announced plans to open two new stores in Toronto, one at Yorkville Shopping Center, and one at the Eaton Centre. Last fall, Uniqlo broke records when it opened an astounding 18 new stores, the biggest number of openings in its history. Uniqlo founder Tadashi Yanai has set the incredibly ambitious goal of Uniqlo doing 50 billion dollars in sales by 2020.

His specific goal for the U.S. is to have it make up 10 billion of those 50 billion sales dollars and have 1,000 stores in operation. H&M and Zara better stay on their toes, because between their rapidly growing expansion, accessible prices, and designer collaborations (anyone else looking forward to that Christophe Lemaire collaboration?), Uniqlo is set to give a lot of fast-fashion retailers a run for their money. The retail competition might be tough, but, Uniqlo is getting tougher.

photo:everybodyknows.ca