Uniqlo looks to rebuild brand image with pivot to flagship stores in Japan

RetailCEO Tadashi Yanai to counter AI era with enhanced physical store experienceTadashi Yanai, chairman and CEO of Uniqlo parent Fast Retailing, says there is value in holding and feeling products in physical stores. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Nikkei)TAKASHI SUGIMOTOSeptember 3, 2026 06:32 JSTTOKYO -- In an era when an outfit is just a click away, casual clothing chain Uniqlo is betting heavily on the value of physical stores at home in Japan.