Japanese Retailer UNIQLO To Open Michigan Avenue Store In Chicago
By John Dodge
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Five years after opening its first U.S. store in New York City, Japanese retailer UNIQLO announced on Tuesday that it will be opening a flagship store on the Magnificent Mile.
The store will be located at 830 North Michigan Avenue, across the street from Water Tower Place.
It will be the second-largest U.S. store, marking the retailer's entry into the Midwest, according to a company news release.
Opening is planned for fall of 2015.
In 1984, Fast Retailing, headed by Tadashi Yanai, opened the first UNIQLO store in Hiroshima, Japan. Since then, the brand has evolved from a chain of roadside stores to an international retail force.
"Chicago is a global city that's home to some of the finest cultural and sports institutions in the world, and we are thrilled to join the city's rich landscape," said Larry Meyer, CEO of UNIQLO USA.
"We look forward to bringing our innovative, high-quality apparel, world-class customer service and modern, bright store aesthetic to the people of Chicago."
For more information on open positions throughout the U.S., visit here.
UNIQLO USA currently has 21 stores in the Northeast and San Francisco Bay area. This fall more stores are planned in the Boston, Los Angeles and Philadelphia metro areas.
UNIQLO is known for providing clothing essentials for men, women and children at reasonable prices.
Critics say the company will have a more difficult time in the U.S. as it adjusts to American sizes, tastes and shopping styles.
