By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Zhang Yingying

UNIQLO’s sub-brand GU is expanding rapidly, opening its 24th Tokyo store on June 18 at PARCO Department Store’s third building in Shibuya, quickly becoming a fashion topic in the area. Multiple opening-exclusive items and styles recommended by brand ambassador Laura are part of the launch promotion campaign.

Unlike UNIQLO’s casual, home-style focus, GU emphasizes more trendy merchandise, similar to the “fast fashion” approach of brands like ZARA, H&M, and Forever21, and keeps consumers excited and coming back for more with its rapid inventory turnover. GU’s pricing strategy is slightly lower than UNIQLO’s, and with its fast product refresh cycle, the brand has built strong market appeal.

In mid-May, GU also announced its official entry into the Taiwanese market in Q3 2014. As its first overseas store in Asia, it will be located at Att 4 Fun department store in Taipei’s Xinyi District, opening on September 19. The three-floor store will have over 400 ping (approx. 1,320 sqm) of retail space, offering men’s, women’s, children’s apparel, and accessories. A second store is planned for the basement level of Ming Yao Department Store in Taipei’s Dongcheng area, right next to fellow UNIQLO brand store, covering about 200 ping. This will intensify the battle in the affordable fashion scene, but offers consumers more shopping options—and international visitors to Taipei more style choices.

[Info]
Address: 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, Shibuya PARCO Bldg. 3, B1F
Phone: 03-3477-8811
Business hours (weekdays): 10:00–21:00
Business hours (Fri–Sun): 10:00–21:00

[Info]