Overview
It's been 11 years since the Japanese fashion giant UNIQLO first came to Australian shores, and the brand has come a long way since then. From its early days in the Emporium to 40 stores spread across the country, UNIQLO has gone back to its roots to celebrate these achievements with a new and improved flagship store where it all began.
After the Emporium store closed for renovations in July, doors reopened earlier this week to a queue of 400 eager Melbournians, who were treated to the first look at the now 4,590-square-metre store, having doubled in size since closing.
As well as just more room for shelves, racks and the fashionable self-styling that UNIQLO specialises in, the new store also stars a UNIQLO debut. Customers here can get hands-on with their own products with UTme! — a print-on-demand service where you can pick and print patches onto t-shirts, hats and tote bags.
The patches on offer all feature IP artworks from local Melbourne icons — including author and multi-disciplinary artist Beci Orpin, beloved sandwich spot and bakery Hector's Deli and multi-disciplinary curator DOCG.
The opening celebrations are ongoing, too. From now until Sunday, November 30, you can catch traditional Japanese drumming performances inside and enjoy a pop-up photobooth that could win you a $1000 store voucher. Plus, labubu lovers can take a picture with Zimono inside the store and share it on Instagram to enter the running to win a Popmart prize pack.
"Today is an exciting milestone for UNIQLO Australia as we reopen our Emporium store - the very first UNIQLO store to open in Australia 11 years ago. It's a special moment to celebrate how far we've come. We're grateful for the incredible support from the Melbourne community and we can't wait to welcome everyone back into this new and elevated space," said Tim Routley, UNIQLO Australia CFO.
UNIQLO Melbourne Emporium is open now at 269-321 Lonsdale St, Melbourne. Find out more on the website.