Uniqlo opens energy-efficient prototype store in Maebashi, Japan

For the new Maebashi store, Kashiwa Sato, creative director and CEO, Samurai Inc and chief creative director for the project, developed a new roadside store concept that both appeals to customers and embodies the Uniqlo philosophy of contributing to the development of a prosperous society and realisation of a better world, the company said in a media release.

The Maebashi store incorporates energy-saving technologies to help the company achieve its target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90 per cent by 2030. The store is expected to use 40 per cent less electricity compared to conventional Uniqlo roadside stores, with solar panels offsetting around 15 per cent of the total power consumption. The building has received BELS top five-star rating, Building Energy Index (BEI) value of 0.33, and ZEB Ready certification.

Group executive officer Masahiro Endo said: "With the new Maebashi Minami IC Store, we have created a new type of Uniqlo, where customers can both shop for our clothing, as well as gather and connect with each other. Reducing our energy consumption was also at the front of mind when developing the store, and the various technical and design features utilized represent meaningful steps towards meeting our 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets. Going forward, we look forward to using this store as a prototype for our new roadside stores globally."

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)