Uniqlo to double flagship stores in Japan in strategy pivot

RetailCEO Yanai says no need for more standard stores amid growth of e-commerceUniqlo's flagship store in Tokyo's Ginza district. The company plans to open similar stores in urban centers across Japan. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)FUMIE YAKUAugust 31, 2026 04:43 JSTTOKYO -- The Fast Retailing-owned Uniqlo casual wear chain is overhauling its domestic strategy for new stores, moving away from standardized outlets in shopping centers to flagship stores in major urban centers.Read NextBusiness trendsJapan office workers cool off with shorts amid record-breaking summersRetailPrada-experienced designer revamps Uniqlo's sister brandBig in AsiaJapan shoe store giant ABC-Mart targets big strides across Southeast AsiaRetailUniqlo owner Fast Retailing set to overtake H&M after strong Q3 salesBusiness tren