GU, a sister brand of UNIQLO and part of the Fast Retailing Group, proudly announced the launch of its US e-commerce site and app, alongside the grand opening of its first permanent flagship store in the United States, located at 578 Broadway in New York City's SoHo district.
View this post on Instagram
With a spacious sales floor area of approximately 10,225 square feet spread across two floors, the GU NY SOHO store offers a wide range of contemporary apparel for women and men, including shoes, bags, and accessories. The store operates from 11 AM to 8 PM daily, with special extended hours during the grand opening weekend from September 19 to 22, kicking off at 9 AM on the 19th.
GU CEO Osamu Yunoki commented: "Since opening our first pop-up store in the U.S. in the fall of 2022, we've had the opportunity to introduce GU products to many customers, which has greatly fueled our expectations for business growth in the U.S. We've leveraged the insights gained to create a robust framework for global product development and business operations. We're thrilled to announce the grand opening of our official store in the US alongside the launch of our US e-commerce site. We look forward to bringing GU fashion to an even broader audience."
This inaugural celebration includes an immersive, interactive event brimming with fashion, fun, and cultural activities. Attendees have a shot at winning Tokyo experiences in New York and will receive special giveaways, such as a collaborative tote bag designed by Shantell Martin.
The simultaneous launch of its e-commerce site and app allows customers nationwide to access its extensive collection of fashionable, affordable clothing. This digital move means that GU's offerings, particularly its staple items like the Barrel Leg Bottoms, Mini Skort, and Super Wide Cargo Pants, are now available nationwide.
Known for its ability to reinvent style constantly, GU was established in Japan in 2006 and has since grown to operate around 470 stores, primarily in Asia. Its approach involves leveraging Fast Retailing's extensive supply chain to ensure quick turnaround from design to retail, thereby staying ahead of fashion trends. GU's brand philosophy of MINI edit MAX—delivering maximum style and quality at minimal prices.
The debut of GU NY SOHO signifies more than just a retail expansion; it represents a cultural exchange, bringing Tokyo's vibrant fashion scene to New York. With ambitions of becoming a global fashion brand, the opening of this flagship store in such a culturally diverse and fashionable neighborhood underscores GU’s goal of catering to a wide audience of style-conscious consumers on a global scale.
