UNIQLO, the global fashion retailer known for its innovative clothing, is set to significantly boost its UK presence with the announcement of three new store openings this year. This expansion will mark the introduction of UNIQLO's first store in the Midlands, located in the prestigious Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham, alongside new locations in Glasgow and Liverpool. These strategic openings are part of UNIQLO's broader plan to enhance its foothold across the UK, particularly in cities characterized by a vibrant, younger, and affluent demographic.
The Birmingham store, which is set to open in autumn 2025, will occupy an impressive 20,000 square feet, spanning three floors, with a dedicated trading area of 11,840 square feet. This new location will feature the full range of UNIQLO's clothing, including menswear, womenswear, and children's apparel, underscoring the brand's commitment to providing accessible and stylish fashion options for all.
Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer of UNIQLO UK, stated, “Uniqlo continues to invest in the UK retail landscape, growing our footprint and e-commerce across the nation. Bringing the brand to the Midlands for the first time is a key strategic step for us, and Bullring’s prominent position in the UK’s second city made for the ideal location.” This sentiment was echoed by Paul O’Brien, Director of Leasing and Commercialisation at Hammerson, who manages the Bullring centre, stating that the arrival of UNIQLO reinforces the Bullring’s position as a leading retail destination in the region.
The Bullring shopping centre has recently drawn significant attention due to other high-profile openings, including a new flagship store from Zara spanning 51,000 square feet and the Midlands debut of Sephora, as well as the introduction of PURESEOUL’s second store outside London. O’Brien noted, “Bullring continues to attract best-in-class global brands seeking a flagship presence in the region, reinforcing its position as the leading Midlands destination.”
Alongside this, UNIQLO will be opening its second store in Scotland in Glasgow, situated on Argyle Street. The store will comprise 12,900 square feet of retail space and is also expected to operate across three storeys. These openings follow the recent success of UNIQLO’s debut store in Scotland on Princes Street in Edinburgh, which opened in April 2024.
On top of that, UNIQLO's new store in Liverpool is set to enhance the retail offering at Liverpool ONE, a prominent shopping destination in the city. Slated to open on April 24, 2025, this 15,392 square feet store will include the innovative UTme customisable T-shirt station and a dedicated Re.Uniqlo Studio, which offers repair and recycle services for pre-loved UNIQLO garments. This commitment to sustainability not only reflects the brand's ethos but also caters to the growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly practices.
“We are excited to offer LifeWear - clothing designed to last, born from the Japanese values of quality, simplicity, and functionality to more customers,” Dudech said, emphasizing UNIQLO’s dedication to accessible fashion while ensuring a sustainable approach. He also mentioned the importance of engaging local communities, as Liverpudlian women’s health and empowerment organization Girls On The Go will host running clubs in collaboration with UNIQLO in the lead-up to the new store opening, a move that further cements the brand’s integration into the community.
The planned store openings are set to boost UNIQLO's total presence in the UK to 23 locations by the end of 2025. This initiative is part of UNIQLO's ongoing efforts to expand its market share in the competitive UK retail scene, which has been increasingly dynamic, with a notable uptick in regional investments by global brands looking to secure flagship locations.
In summary, the upcoming openings of UNIQLO's stores in Birmingham, Glasgow, and Liverpool signal a robust commitment to the UK market, reflecting a well-planned expansion strategy aimed at meeting the needs of a diverse consumer base. As UNIQLO continues to navigate the complexities of the retail landscape, its emphasis on quality, sustainability, and community engagement sets it apart in a crowded marketplace, promising a bright future for the brand in the UK.
