Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo recently announced a major European expansion plan that will see eight new store openings in Poland, the Netherlands and England. Could a Uniqlo store for Ireland also be on the cards?
A source in commercial real estate recently told The Journal that the brand has been looking for a Dublin building but hadn’t as yet been able to find one large enough, which suggests that they are actively eyeing the Irish capital as a location.
The source said a Dublin outlet was ‘on the agenda’ which has sparked hopes that they may open here in the near future. At present Irish consumers can order from the Uniqlo website but must pay a shipping charge of €10 for orders under €70.
Uniqlo which is known for affordable basic and casual clothing already has ten stores in Europe and is owned by the Fast Retailing Company which is the third largest clothing manufacturer globally after Inditex and H&M. Uniqlo’s ‘Lifewear’ concept embraces simple, quality clothing designed for everyday wear and they say, ‘a better society’.
It centres around creating clothes that enhance everyday life with an emphasis on comfort, functionality, and style. Solid colours, clean lines, and classic unfussy styling are the hallmarks rather than faddy fast fashion trends that come and go at a furious pace.
This point of distinction from competitors has been the brand’s foundation for success and consistent growth.
Unqlo’s affordable premium offering delivers good quality at a fair price and has won them a legion of fans. Favourites for shoppers include their ranges prioritising innovative fabric technology like their HEATTECH, AIRism and Ultra-Light Down clothing.
HEATECH garments are lightweight yet warm with heat of absorption and heat retention features, AIRism pieces possess quick-drying DRY technology with moisture-wicking, deodorizing properties which make them cool, while the Ultra-Light Down is an incredibly lightweight, yet warm premium down used in puffer jackets, vests and coats.
In 2023 British designer Claire Waight Keller, (who designed Meghan Markle’s Givenchy wedding dress) launched a collection, Uniqlo: C which was such a success that in 2024 they appointed her as overall Global Creative Director.
Her designs known for their clean, minimalist lines with an emphasis on functionality and comfort have been well received by consumers and her high profile (she previously worked at Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Chloé, and Pringle of Scotland) has given Uniqlo and new status.
The unusual marriage of a former luxury designer and a huge value clothing brand is a sign of the times with many consumers turning away from luxury brands who have relentlessly increased prices over the past decade. Waight Keller has said that her mission at Uniqlo is ‘to prove that great design can be accessible to all and that “fast fashion” can be reimagined as slow fashion’.
The appetite for more democratic and affordable fashion is growing and Uniqlo’s concept of a curated classic wardrobe of great basics that prioritise functionality and longevity has made them an appealing destination for consumers feeling the pinch of the rising cost of living paired with fashion fatigue prompted by over-consumption.
Their edit of basics makes shopping less stressful and frees consumers from feeling pressurised to follow trends.
The new Autumn Winter 2025 collection is typical Uniqlo with casual short jackets, functional parkas and puffa coats, jeans of various styles, merino and cashmere knits, classic shirting, and dresses from mini to midi.
There are also short skorts and longer pleated skirts alongside accessories, loungewear and underwear. The more expensive Uniqlo: C collection which is more design led and features cocoon shirts, culottes, tweed blazers and long coats will launch online on September 4th.
Called "Modernity in Motion," the collection seamlessly blends formal elegance with casual comfort. It combines sophisticated tailoring with practical, functional fabrics for a versatile, all-season appeal.
Until the brand launches here, the website remains the place to shop Uniqlo for now, at Uniqlo.com.
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