Business Overview

The Evolution of a Global Brand

The first UNIQLO store opened its doors in June 1984. We proved the success of the SPA manufacturer retailer model controlling the entire process from product planning, production, distribution and marketing. UNIQLO enjoyed superb growth by providing high quality casual wear at remarkably low prices.

Our business expanded significantly on the back of the boom in our fleece products in 1998. Following a subsequent period of reduced revenue and profit, UNIQLO was once again generating healthy rises in both revenue and profits in 2004. Our sales have risen favorably ever since thanks to our committed policy on store network expansion and our aggressive store review and renewal.

We now have a network of over 750 stores in Japan and we are currently looking to boost the UNIQLO appeal through the development of more large-format stores with shop floors of 1650sqm and 3300sqm.

In the area of product development, we established a global R&D system in the fall of 2005. With bases in Tokyo, New York, Paris and Milan, we seek to catch local trends early and incorporate them in our product development and design.

On the international stage, our global flagship New York SOHO store was opened in November 2006 and has proved a great success. We are looking to evolve UNIQLO into a global brand centered around the New York SOHO store.

For more details on corporate development,
*please go to the FAST RETAILING website.

Comparison with major global specialty clothing retailers

UNIQLO accounts for roughly 90% of total sales at the FAST RETAILING holding company. FAST RETAILING is clearly in the top class if you compare its scale of sales with other specialty clothing retailers from around the world.

Source:Compiled from the annual reports of the companies listed above.

* Figures calculated in yen using August 31, 2007 foreign exchange rates.

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