This week, the Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo will debut a new location at Maebashi in the Prefecture of Gunma. It is serving as a prototype for locations throughout the world.
There will be clothing for men, women, children, and babies on the shop floor. In addition, it is about 2,500 square meters in size.
Kashiwa Sato, chief director of the project and creative director and CEO of Samurai Inc., created a fresh idea with avant-garde design elements that are a first for the brand.
The idea aims to appeal to consumers while advancing “the development of a prosperous society and realization of a better world,” as stated in the press release.
About the Uniqlo New Store
The store has introduced numerous energy-saving features as part of Uniqlo’s effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions in its retail and workplace locations by 90% from 2019 to 2030.
In collaboration with Takenaka Corporation, a significant general contractor in Japan, applied nine elements. Skylights and glass facades combine natural and artificial lighting, brightness, motion sensors, solar panels, and eaves. Thus, it will manage energy usage for lighting and air conditioning as some of the components.
Air curtains at the entry and CO2 and temperature sensors further regulate inside temperatures.
Wall insulation, made in part from recycled clothing donated by Uniqlo customers. In addition, it further reduces the energy that would consume for air conditioning.
An Energy Efficient Building
According to calculations made by the company, the Maebashi store is likely to consume roughly 40% less electricity than typical Uniqlo locations. However, solar panels are likely to offset an additional 15% of the overall power usage.
The building’s “true lifestyle destination” will include a flower shop, a café, a green area, and a kids’ play area. In addition, it will be available to customers.
Additionally, the site will house the first permanent Re in Japan. Uniqlo Studio provides consumers with reuse, recycling, repair, and remake services. Additionally, it will have the option to customize clothing.
“With the new Maebashi Minami IC Store, we have created a new type of Uniqlo, where customers can both shop for our clothing and gather and connect with one another,” stated group executive officer Masahiro Endo.
Closing Thought
When designing the store, we kept our energy usage goals top of mind. The numerous technical and design features we use will help us move closer to our 2030 greenhouse gas reduction goals.
This Friday, the Uniqlo Maebashi Minami IC store opens.
