GU, a Fast Retailing-owned and Japan-based brand, will debut e-commerce operations in the U.S. on Sept. 19, according to a company press release Tuesday.
The Uniqlo sister brand additionally announced the location of its flagship store in the SoHo neighborhood of New York, which will open on the same day. The new location follows the 2022 opening of GU’s popup storefront, also in New York.
The retail store will offer womenswear and menswear in addition to shoes, bags and accessories. As part of the rollout, GU is collaborating with brand Undercover on menswear, which the company said “can be enjoyed by all genders,” and will include “pieces featuring detachable sleeves to create multiple silhouettes with one garment that can be worn casually.”
The brand’s e-commerce operations will offer products that have become popular in its existing Asia-based stores, including its barrel leg jean, super wide cargo pant and mini skort, per the release. U.S.-exclusive colorways will also be available.
The New York retail location will house the GU New U concept, which features the latest trends, and its Mini Edit Max brand philosophy, which is designed to offer an edited collection of stylish pieces at low price points, per the release.
GU operates about 470 stores in Asia, primarily in Japan. It offers e-commerce to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan, according to the release.
Fast Retailing has made international expansion one of its priorities. In its 2023 year-end report, the company said it wants to open “30 stores each in North America and Europe each year.” It additionally said it plans to have 80 new stores in China and about 60 new stores in Southeast Asia, India and Australia.
The Uniqlo brand in particular plans to open more than 20 new locations in the U.S. and Canada this year.
