It is great news to Singaporeans when we heard that popular Japanese label, Uniqlo, will be opening their first global flagship store for South East Asia right on our shores. Located at Orchard Central, the store's opening is set for this coming Friday, 2nd September.
Spanning three levels and covering 2,700 square metres, expect things to be a little different from the usual. Here are 12 reasons you will need to head over to Uniqlo at Orchard Central when its doors open.
1. The largest product line-up in the region
Under the concept of "U+S and The World", the new store will showcase the brand's full assortment of LifeWear -- innovative, high-quality clothing that is universal in design and comfort, and made for anyone, anywhere.
2. Iconic rotating mannequins
Iconic rotating mannequins will be an integral part of Uniqlo Orchard Central, as well as close to 300 digital displays, the largest number anywhere in the Uniqlo world, and a total of 350 in-store mannequins, the latter matching the Uniqlo Ginza Global Flagship Store in Tokyo.
3. A dedicated corner for UT (Uniqlo T-shirt)
The UT corner on level 1 will showcase UT designs drawn from the most popular collaborations such as Olympia Le-Tan, Bruno Munari, and musician and style icon Pharell Williams. The new Disney Collection City Logo UTs include a unique design specially created for Singapore. It features Mickey Mouse with our iconic Merlion and it will be launched on the day of the store's opening. We spotted a Star Wars collection at the press preview of the store and heard that they are exclusively available at Orchard Central's outlet. You know what to do if you are a Star Wars fan.
4. Discover cashmere
Touch and feel your way through the widest selection of cashmere wear exclusively at Uniqlo Orchard Central. Made of 100% high-grade cashmere wool, expect your cashmere to be soft and breathable.
5. Exclusive gift cards
Limited edition Peanuts Gift Cards are exclusively available at the Orchard Central outlet. Collect 'em all!
6. Original in-store music
It's rare for retailers to create their own original in-store music. However, Uniqlo Orchard Central will be playing their very own tracks that serve to elevate the entire shopping experience. Uniqlo worked together with Syndicate, a local audiovisual collective and independent record label in Singapore to create a palette of sounds that resides in the background, in order to work as a rhythm or a soundscape that brings the shoppers through the store.
7. Art display at kids' section
Illustrated by Michael Ng, a self-taught visual artist based in Singapore who goes under the moniker, "Mindflyer". Michael's work is inspired by flight, escapism, and our favourite Antoine de Saint-Exupery's The Little Prince.
8. Exclusive shopping bags
You are not going to get your usual Uniqlo shopping bags when you shop at Uniqlo Orchard Central #notcomplaining. The store's exclusive shopping bags are designed by four illustrators, based on their perspectives of Singapore.
By Soh Ee Shaun
By Adeline Tan a.k.a Mightyellow
By Wu Yan Rong
By John Fan
9. Good neighbours' guide
To help customers discover more of the neighbourhood's surprising finds, Uniqlo came up with the Good Neighbours' Guide to sieve out the little gems around us, starting from the famous Orchard Road.
10. YOUR STAGE NOW LIVE social media contest
To celebrate the opening of Singapore and Southeast Asia's first Global Flagship Store on 2 September 2016, Uniqlo is inviting you to inspire your fellow Singaporeans. Dance, sing, draw, cook, dress up in UNIQLO, shoot, animate, write — however you like to express yourself! Upload your entries on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and hashtag #YOURSTAGENOWLIVE.
Selected entries will be featured on http://yourstagenowlive.sg, as well as on the digital screens in Uniqlo Orchard Central.
5 most inspiring entries will be picked to win a $100 Uniqlo gift card every week.
11. Welcome gift bag
Be the first 500 customers to enter Uniqlo Orchard Central from 2- 4 September daily and receive a complimentary Welcome Gift Bag worth $50. Bag contents consist of a limited edition tote bag (2 different designs), a Uniqlo Aluminium Sports Bottle and selected Orchard Central F&B vouchers.
12. Tote Bag and Lucky Dip
Redeem an opening limited edition tote bag, and a sure-win lucky dip with every $100 spent at Uniqlo Central (only for first 2500 customers per day).