Anime and fashion aficionados are buzzing about Uniqlo’s expansion in the United States. This chain is known for affordable, high-tech clothing that withstands inclement weather and fickle fashion trends, sold in nearly 800 franchise stores across Japan. From firsthand experience, these clothes live up to the hype without leaving a dent in your wallet.
So why are anime fans so excited? Uniqlo is also known for their fantastic pop culture collaborations. Check out the whole UT line of graphic tees featuring Gundam, Naruto and One Piece characters. The UNIQLO WAKE UP alarm app features music co-written by Yoko Kanno (Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Macross) and Cornelius. Throughout 2011, Uniqlo sponsored We Love Anime, a theatrical roadshow screening films like Summer Wars, Redline, Tekken: Blood Vengence, Trigun: Badlands Rumble, and more across the UK. And in early June 2012, the NYC flagship store hosted Hideo Kojima for the launch the Metal Gear Solid t-shirt line.
Surely the Chicago anime community would greatly benefit from the addition of our own Uniqlo store! Word is that they’re on the hunt for management positions. Can’t wait for this awesome apparel? Racked.com has confirmed that the US online store will launch this fall.
Have you tried Uniqlo clothing? Visited a location? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!