GU to open debut store in NYC, launch e-commerce site
Uniqlo’s sister brand GU is preparing to make its debut in the United States.
The GU SoHo flagship store is set to open on Sept. 19 on Broadway in Manhattan, and will offer customers women's and men's clothing across two floors, as well as a selection of on-trend products, including shoes, bags and accessories.
With a sales floor area of about 10,225 sq. ft., the new flagship will be a showcase for the GU NEW U concept that “gives customers the freedom to constantly reinvent themselves through style by conveying the latest fashion trends.” The SoHo store will also highlight GU's brand philosophy - “MINI edit MAX,” offering “maximum” style and quality with “minimum” prices and curated collections, such as a menswear collaboration with brand Undercover that will debut at the store.
In addition to its entrance into the U.S., GU will launch its American e-commerce website and app allowing customers outside of New York to shop with the brand for the first time.
[READ MORE: Uniqlo to expand in Canada — here are the locations]
To celebrate the SoHo store’s grand opening, the first 300 customers will receive a collaborative tote bag designed by Shantell Martin as a gift with a minimum purchase amount. The limited edition tote bag is filled with GU favorites and chance to win experiences like GU shopping trips valued up to $250, and exclusive experiences of Tokyo culture in New York City. Additional giveaways include exclusive Japanese treats that will only be available opening weekend.
GU was established in 2006 as a sister brand of Uniqlo, and currently operates approximately 470 stores in Asia, mainly in Japan, and has e-commerce sites in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan.
