I may have first heard of Uniqlo from my brother who discovered it in London and now flies often to Japan for work. From him I got to know this Japanese fast fashion brand that’s known for affordable basics for men, women, teens and kids—for home, work, play and exercise.
Uniqlo is also known for collaborating with other iconic brands—anywhere from Walt Disney and Hello Kitty to Laura Ashley, Lulu Guiness—all the way to Jil Sander and Undercover.
In Ginza, Tokyo, it’s a great place to buy pasalubong because of its price points.
I’ve been to Uniqlo in Singapore’s Somerset and ION Orchard malls—the latter has two levels and is always busy.
I’ve been to the one in Bangkok, which was great because it was spacious and no longer crowded. That’s where I bought the comfiest lounging pants I use everyday.
No matter what country, there’s never enough time for Uniqlo, because of its size and madness. I’m always stressed and in a hurry to shop when I’m there. But not anymore when it opens at Mall of Asia this June 15, 2012.
This afternoon, I had the pleasure of going through the aisles and looking at everything it has to offer without the mad crowd and confusion of what to buy.
I was amazed to see merchandise with Philippine prices—so affordable! On its opening week, many items will be marked down, as jeans go for an unreal price of Php 590. I’m already scared of the pandemonium this is going to cause.
Not to worry, the 1,550-square-meter store has 15 cash registers ready for the masses, plus 14 fitting rooms.
What I don’t like about Uniqlo is they are very strict about the four-piece maximum in the fitting room. And you know me, I always come with an armload of stuff.
Take a look at what’s in store when Uniqlo opens in Manila this Friday.
Our group arrived before 2 PM at Mall of Asia this afternoon. You’ll find Uniqlo at the 2nd level of the Main Mall where Kultura and Marrionaud used to be.
L-R: Keri, Leica, Rajo, Grace, Cedric, Nix
Hello Chris Tiu! You’re not bad-looking.
There was a TV crew filming when we came in.
There are seven Japanese Uniqlo staff in Manila for the opening. Some of them will be staying here longer to help set up the next branches.
I am a huge fan of elastic waistbands. Nix and I loved the pants with elastic waistbands. They are so comfy.
Lots of comfy basics for men
Cedric checks out the tees
I checked out the UT section, or Uniqlo T-shirts at a special opening price of Php 590.
There’s Barbie
Hello Kitty
Peanuts
Laura Ashley
Lots of cool frames for Php 590
Unfortunately, not enough bags and footwear for now
Tons of best-selling BRATOPS, or sleeveless tops with built-in bras
They are so popular, they also come as sundresses
They have comfy sheer cardigans
Two of our house favorites: Yakult
and Sour Cream Pringles in tees
We love Dutch orange
The softest children’s wear you’ll find
plus undies
I am hoarding these for Christian
Let’s not forget the little girls
and the teens
I am intrigued by the Airism range, which feels cool to the skin.
Wanna try to sleep in these pants
Airism comes in tops too
and for men
They have very affordable bras
Boy shorts (I love!)
Lots of knickers
Tons of leggings and tights
The most organized sock collection
Oh, and it’s a true rumor that jeans will be sold at a special price of Php 590 up to June 21st only.
The men will appreciate the working casuals
Walk this way to the fitting rooms. Take note:
There are 14 stalls
Line up here for the cash registers
Two rows—there are 15 of them!
And yes they are ready for the shoppers. I can’t wait to be one of the first. And you?
The first Uniqlo in the Philippines opens June 15, 2012 at the 2nd level of Mall of Asia, Main Mall.
To know more, go to http://www.uniqlo.com/ph/.
(Some photos by DAC RIVERA)
Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.