Japanese-born, global retailer Uniqlo is set to re-open its flagship Emporium Melbourne store later this month, and is signing on local talent to promote it.
The Emporium store was the first one Uniqlo opened in Australia when it entered physically in 2014. Since then, the brand has scaled operations locally to around 40 stores alongside a dedicated website.
The Melbourne personalities included in the new campaign are broadcaster and sports journalist Clint Stanaway, Melbourne artist Hieu Nguyen, alt-pop singer-songwriter Phoebe Go and Olympic gold medallist rower Lucy Stephan.
According to Uniqlo, the four inclusions above will also help promote its LifeWear philosophy.
The revised store in Melbourne will also include ‘UTme!’, where customers can design bespoke tees and totes. Customers will be able to utilise various IP stamps, including exclusive designs from local Melbourne artists and partners, as well as customers’ own photos, images and texts.
To mark the launch, pre-printed shirts and tote bags featuring ‘UTme!’ stamp designs by local collaborators – Beci Orpin, Hector's Deli and DOCG, and Monchhichi x UTme! – will be available in the store alongside the option to customise.
The Uniqlo Emporium grand re-opening starts at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 27, following an official Japanese ribbon-cutting ceremony and traditional taiko drumming performance.
Uniqlo will also provide a free gift bag to customers who spend $100 or more in the store o opening day, alongside other exclusive store offers.
Uniqlo's parent company Fast Retailing reported that its South Korea, Southeast Asia, India and Australia operations combined generated large revenue and profit gains in FY2025, with revenue for the region booming by 14.6 per cent year-on-year to ¥619.4 billion (~A$6.19 billion), with business profit up 20.5 per cent to ¥116.9 billion (~A$1.17 billion).
The Sydney Morning Herald recently reported that the company's Australian operation is nearing yearly sales of $1 billion, with sales up 19.4 per cent to $817.1 million in the 12 months to August 31.