Uniqlo makes big denim play with new LA concept shop

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Sep 21, 2017

Fast Retailing Co.'s Uniqlo announced this week that it is opening a "denim concept shop" in downtown LA this fall.

The announcement was made by Uniqlo's head of US marketing, Marisol Tamaro, who said, "We take so much inspiration from Los Angeles." The brand has been increasing its commitment to LA and, according to a statement by the brand, Uniqlo's fall 2017 denim campaign gleaned its inspiration from LA style.

The new DTLA concept shop will undoubtedly be the premium retail channel for Uniqlo denim. Currently the brand operates its Denim Innovation Center which it opened in LA in November 2016. That lab is Fast Retailing's hub for both Uniqlo and J Brand denim creation and manufacturing. The brand has additional innovation centers in Paris, Shanghai, New York and Tokyo.

Tamaro said of the concept shop, “It’s mostly denim, but it will feature complementary clothes. It will mostly be about the experience." The shop will also carry J Brand as well as collaborations from local artists and designers.

While Tamaro did not reveal many additional details, the new DTLA concept shop is slated to open this fall.

Uniqlo's denim concept shop will fit into the recent revitalization occurring in LA's Arts District. Philip Lim 3.1 opened in May and Rei Kawakubo announced she will open a Dover Street Market next year. The denim concept shop will be Uniqlo's eighth store in LA and 47th in the US.