What: Uniqlo opens store in Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district.

Why is it important: The concept highlights and includes other local businesses.

Uniqlo opened the doors of its newest large-format store in the culturally significant neighbourhood of Asakusa. The store follows the concept of “our neighbourhood” and aims to support the area’s local businesses, residents and artisans. Asakusa’s district hosts the workshops and stores of many traditional craftspeople, some of whom Uniqlo featured in various ways inside the store.

The entrance to the store is dominated by a giant paper and wooden lantern, which was created by a local workshop. Uniqlo also collaborated with local businesses: small ceramic plates designed with traditional snack-maker Asakusa Tokiwado will be available for sale, original tea cups will be given to the first 3,000 customers to spend 5,000 yen or more. There are also original UTme! stamps that are only available at the Asakusa store to use in customizing T-shirts and tote bags.

Throughout the store, Uniqlo has highlighted products from local shops, from stationery to skateboards, encouraging customers to explore the neighbourhood in order to purchase such items and discover others.

Uniqlo Opens Store in Tokyo’s Historic Asakusa District