UNIQLO's share to group sales of Fast Retailing worldwide FY 2015-2023

Uniqlo took Japan’s fashion industry by storm with innovative clothing materials and easy-to-combine designs. Owned by Fast-retailing, one of the leading retailers in Japan, Uniqlo generated around 84 percent of the retail groups’ revenue in fiscal year 2023. While the Uniqlo Japan segment generated the largest revenue share in the past, international operations overtook the domestic business in the fiscal year 2018.

Uniqlo in Japan

Uniqlo’s predecessor opened its doors for the first time in 1984 under the name “Unique Clothing Warehouse”. The brand expanded throughout the country and numbers 800 stores nowadays, with the majority under direct operations. A driver for its popularity as a casual wear brand among Japanese consumers is the affordability and functionality of clothing pieces and fashion accessories. While the company also sells children's and baby clothing, womenswear and menswear are the main revenue segments. In addition to the standard assortment, Uniqlo releases seasonal garments and time-limited pieces in collaboration with media franchises like Disney, Pokémon, and Final Fantasy.

Expansion to the international market

Following the success in the domestic market, Uniqlo set its sights on global expansion, with the first overseas store opening in London. The store network continued to grow in two decades and accounted for two-thirds of Uniqlo stores worldwide in 2023. The largest overseas business area is China, from where it also procures the products for global distribution.