Written by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Zhang Yingying

UNIQLO’s sub-brand GU is expanding rapidly. On June 18, it opened its 24th Tokyo branch at PARCO Department Store’s third building in Shibuya, becoming a hot fashion topic in the area. Multiple limited-edition items for the opening and styles recommended by brand ambassador Laura were all part of the launch promotion.

Different from UNIQLO’s casual, homey style, GU focuses on more trendy merchandise, akin to brands like ZARA, H&M, and Forever21 that emphasize “fast fashion.” With a rapid turnover of inventory, it keeps consumers feeling excited and eager to shop. GU’s pricing strategy is slightly lower than UNIQLO’s, and its quick product refresh cycle strengthens the brand’s competitiveness.

In mid-May, GU also announced its official entry into the Taiwanese market in the third quarter of 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 store will span three floors with over 400 ping (approximately 1,322 square meters) of retail space, offering men’s, women’s, children’s clothing, and accessories. A second store is planned for the basement level of Ming Yao Department Store in Taipei’s Eastern District, right next to fellow UNIQLO parent company brand UNIQLO. Covering around 200 ping, the competition in affordable fashion will intensify—but for consumers, it means more shopping options, and for international visitors to Taiwan, additional fashion choices.

【Info】
Address: 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, PARCO Building B1F
Phone: 03-3477-8811
Business hours (weekdays): 10:00–21:00
Business hours (Fri–Sun): 10:00–21:00

【Info】