UNIQLO Stores Across the U.S. Host Shopping Experiences for Underserved Communities

Oct 05, 2023 SUSTAINABILITY

In September, UNIQLO hosted its first-ever All-Store Community Shopping events.

In September, UNIQLO hosted its first-ever All-Store Community Shopping events, inviting underserved groups and individuals across their U.S. locations to shop free of charge for new clothing. Taking place just ahead of the colder seasons, UNIQLO partnered with local organizations supporting groups such as refugees, those experiencing homelessness, children in need, and people with disabilities to provide them with Fall/Winter wardrobe essentials through a fun shopping experience. In total, the event served over 400 individuals, with a valuation of $65,000 in new clothing.
“Our mission is to help improve people’s everyday life, not only through our products, but through service to our communities,” said Yoshihide Shindo, UNIQLO USA CEO. “We have been honored to support people in need, both on a local and global level, for many years. We hope that these shopping experiences were as memorable for our guests as they were for our store teams throughout the country.”

For example, in Seattle, UNIQLO partnered with DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center) at its Pine Street, Bellevue Square, and Southcenter locations. DESC helps people with the complex needs of homelessness, substance use disorders, and serious mental illness achieve their highest potential for health and well-being through comprehensive services, treatment, and housing.

“I had the pleasure of being at the Southcenter store for the UNIQLO shopping event for our clients,” said Don Rupp, Community Resources and Events Manager, DESC. “I think the best part of this experience for our clients was being able to make a choice. They did not choose homelessness, mental illness, or many of the other challenges we support at DESC. And they are not often given many choices in their daily lives, from the food prepared for them to the clothing donated to them. For this to be a true shopping spree, where they were able to leave with new clothing they really liked, was an invaluable experience for them.”

Additionally, in Los Angeles, UNIQLO partnered with the LA chapter of its longtime partner, Street Soccer, at its Santa Monica, Culver City, Santa Anita, and Glendale Galleria locations. Street Soccer USA in an award winning, national nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty and strengthening community through soccer in 16 cities and growing.

“Special events like these at UNIQLO act as a unifying experience for the communities we serve, where youth from neighboring towns and rivaling teams have an opportunity to engage with each other outside of their regular context,” said Luca Marton, Los Angeles Program Director, Street Soccer USA. “The UNIQLO events are by far the most popular events of the year. Many of these kids have never had the opportunity to get brand new school clothes which they get to choose. The impact is quite invaluable, and the community, our participants and Street Soccer are incredibly grateful.”

TOP