What: Uniqlo plans to open over 20 flagship stores across Asia, Europe, and North America, expanding its global presence to more than 2,500 stores.

Why it is important: This expansion reflects Uniqlo's strategy to strengthen its brand recognition and customer base worldwide, particularly in Europe and North America, where its LifeWear concept has gained significant traction.

Uniqlo, owned by Fast Retailing, is set to open more than 20 flagship stores in key regions, including its largest store in South Korea at Lotte World Mall and its first overseas roadside store in Bangkok, Thailand. In North America, new stores will open in Houston and Dallas, Texas, as well as six locations on the West Coast in California. In Europe, Uniqlo will enter Poland and Rotterdam, and open additional stores in Rome, London, Scotland, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam. The company will also expand in India, Wuhan, China, and Japan. This expansion is part of Uniqlo's strategy to leverage its LifeWear concept, which emphasizes everyday wear that enriches lives, to drive global growth.

Uniqlo to open 20 flagship stores in Europe, North America, and Asia