UNIQLO to Open Two Stores in Taichung in First Half of Year, Continues Market Expansion in Taiwan Next Year

(Central News Agency Reporter He Xiuling, Taipei, July 9) International fast fashion brands have divergent strategies for their presence in Taiwan. In contrast to Swedish fast fashion brand H&M, which recently announced the closure of its Ximending flagship store by the end of the year, Japanese brand UNIQLO stated that it has opened two new stores in Taiwan in the first half of this year, both located in Taichung. There are no immediate plans for further expansion in the second half of the year, but the company will continue to expand its presence in the Taiwanese market next year, without disclosing whether these will be street-level stores or department store locations.

UNIQLO Taiwan held a product launch event for its functional AIRism series today. UNIQLO executives spoke about their store expansion plans in the Taiwanese market to reporters from Central News Agency before the event.

UNIQLO stated that it has opened two new stores in the first half of this year: the Taichung Hanshin Zhongzheng Shopping Plaza store and the MITSUI OUTLET PARK Taichung Port store. The MITSUI OUTLET PARK Taichung Port store, covering nearly 400 ping, is the largest store in the Taichung area by floor area. There are no plans for further store openings in the second half of the year.

Regarding expansion plans for next year, UNIQLO only stated that it is "worth looking forward to," but details about locations and store types are not yet available. Additionally, UNIQLO's highest-performing store in Taiwan is currently the UNIQLO TAIPEI global flagship store located in the Mingyao Department Store in Taipei's East District.

In terms of product strategy, UNIQLO stated that product development continuously incorporates customer feedback and suggestions to launch items that meet everyday wear needs.

Recently, international fast fashion brands have been continuously adjusting their presence in Taiwan. H&M confirmed earlier that its Ximending, Taipei store will cease operations at the end of this year due to lease expiration. The brand will continue to have 13 stores in Taiwan and will keep searching for suitable locations for expansion. ZARA currently has 7 stores in Taiwan, and American casual fashion brand GAP has 16 stores.

In comparison, UNIQLO has maintained its pace of store openings in recent years, currently having a total of 72 stores in Taiwan, with its sister brand GU having 27 stores.

Market observers noted that international fast fashion brands in Taiwan have shifted from aggressive expansion in the past to adjusting their presence based on brand positioning, commercial district conditions, and rental costs. Location adjustments are becoming the norm. (Editor: Lin Shuyuan) 1150709

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