Uniqlo Pushes Philippine Expansion Amid Price Hikes

Japanese retail giant Uniqlo remains confident in the Philippine market and plans to continue expanding through new store openings despite high fuel and commodity prices. Uniqlo Philippines chief operating officer Geraldine Sia said in an interview that the retailer, which has been in the country for 14 years, continues to see growth opportunities in the market. “We continue to have our long-term commitment to the Filipinos by expanding our stores across the Philippines, (in) Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. So this is something that we want to deliver and commit to the Filipino people because we want them to experience LifeWear clothing,” she said. At present, Uniqlo has 81 stores nationwide. Despite the rising cost of basic commodities, Sia said the brand continues to see demand for its products from Filipino consumers visiting Uniqlo’s stores. “I think they continue to trust our brand. Being here for over 14 years, they know that the LifeWear and clothing can bring benefits to them through our technology, through our functionality,” she said. She said Uniqlo considers the Philippines as a strong market for its products. “Uniqlo is versatile, comfortable, durable and made to last, making it easy to wear across different occasions,” she said. “So we feel that with Uniqlo, [you can use it] from work, travel, usually our family gatherings, everyday routines. That’s what makes Uniqlo strong in the market,” she said further. Beyond future store openings and growing the brand, Uniqlo is reinforcing its sustainability initiatives in the country, building on disaster relief efforts, environmental programs and local livelihood projects. Under Uniqlo’s flagship sustainability initiative in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Philippines-Japan Friendship and leading up to the brand’s 15th anniversary in the country next year, a portion of the proceeds from every purchase of select AIRism products will help support educational initiatives in 15 schools. Uniqlo opened its first store in the Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia in 2012. It has expanded beyond Metro Manila, with stores located in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Globally, there are more than 2,500 Uniqlo stores in markets including Japan, Asia, Europe and North America.