Japanese retail giant coming to Disney

Japanese specialty apparel retailer Uniqlo is expanding its U.S. presence into the Southeast, and is also expanding its relationship with Disney.



The company will open a two-level, 25,000-sq.-ft. store on July 15 in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It will be Uniqlo’s first location in the Southeast.



The new Uniqlo will incorporate the retailer’s heritage by conveying Japanese tradition, culture and beauty through colorful visuals and displays and Japanese-inspired daily giveaways. There will also be in-store events each week and month like Taiko drummers and a Japanese-style game show.



Last August, Uniqlo announced “Magic For All,” a global initiative with Disney Consumer Products that includes an apparel collection featuring Disney, Pixar, Marvel and “Star Wars” designs. In September, the retailer opened a Magic for All in-store concept shop on the top floor of its five-story flagship in Shanghai as well as themed sections within its flagship stores globally.



"We are very excited to introduce our Uniqlo products, customer service and shopping experience to Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort," said Hiroshi Taki, CEO of Uniqlo USA. "We are proud of our collaboration with Disney Consumer Products, and we look forward to offering our unique retail concept and products to vacationers and locals alike at Disney Springs. We hope to make every day at our store feel like opening day for our customers."



Uniqlo currently operates 43 in the United States.