Uniqlo to Open First Texas Stores

Uniqlo is set to make its debut in Texas, with plans to open two stores in the Houston area and three in Dallas-Fort Worth later this year.

The Japan-based apparel giant’s locations will include a 21,600-square-foot store in West Houston’s Memorial City Mall and 11,400-square-foot space in Sugar Land’s First Colony Mall, the Houston Business Journal reported, citing filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Uniqlo’s North Texas stores will be in the Galleria Dallas shopping center, Frisco’s Stonebriar Centre and The Parks Mall at Arlington, the Dallas Morning News reported.

The company’s arrival in the Lone Star State is part of a broader expansion strategy, as it plans to to open more than 20 stores across North America this year, with hopes of reaching 200 by 2027.

The Memorial City location will cost nearly $2 million to build out and the First Colony store will cost over $1.8 million. They are expected to open as soon as September, although details are preliminary and subject to change.

The company’s decision to enter the Texas market was driven by strong e-commerce interest in the state, Uniqlo USA CEO Yoshihide Shindo told the outlet. He added that its Texas stores will be somewhat catered to to match the lifestyles and climates throughout Houston and Dallas.

Uniqlo, founded in 1984 in Hiroshima, Japan, by Tadashi Yanai, has evolved into a global brand known for its simple, high-quality clothing reflecting Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. While Uniqlo faced challenges in the U.S. market initially, the company has since focused on enhancing brand awareness and understanding American consumers’ preferences.

The retailer operates over 2,400 stores worldwide and is the flagship brand of Tokyo-based holding company Fast Retailing Company.

—Quinn Donoghue