The global apparel retailer treats next year’s milestone year as both an achievement and a pledge to further grow with Filipinos
Manila, Philippines – UNIQLO arrived in the Philippines in 2012 with the opening of its SM Mall of Asia store, carrying its LifeWear philosophy of improving everyday life through thoughtful Japanese innovation. Over the past decade and a half, the global apparel retailer has evolved into a dominant industry leader, driven by its core mission while deeply embedding itself within the communities it serves.
UNIQLO Philippines aims to maintain its strong momentum across the country. Ahead of its milestone 15th anniversary next year, the brand announced its continued investment in the Philippines, with further expansion, innovation, and community partnerships that reflect its commitment to Filipino customers. Part of the plan is to grow its strong network of 81 stores nationwide to bring LifeWearcloser to even more Filipinos across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
“Together with our partners across the country, we are expanding our presence so that more communities can experience the quality, comfort, and innovation that define LifeWear,” says Osamu Ikezoe, UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer, during the brand’s celebration of the 70th Friendship anniversary between the Philippines and Japan at the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store in Glorietta 5, Makati City. “As we look ahead to UNIQLO Philippines’ upcoming 15th anniversary, we do not see this milestone as a finish line, but as the beginning of our next chapter. We will continue to grow together with the Filipino people and continue to create value for society—inside and beyond our stores.”
“This celebration is, therefore, not only about reflecting on the past,” Ikezoe adds. “More importantly, it is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the future.”
UNIQLO Philippines has grown to 81 stores nationwide across over 14 years in the country, reflecting the brand’s continued commitment to making LifeWear more accessible to Filipinos across the country. Beyond Metro Manila, UNIQLO has steadily expanded its presence through key store openings, including its first roadside store in Mindanao with UNIQLO Davao, as well as new locations in La Union, Imus, Angeles, Laoag, and Marilao—bringing LifeWear closer to more communities nationwide. The brand continues this momentum with more store openings planned in the future.
Another focal point of UNIQLO Philippines’ strategy ahead of its 15th anniversary is keeping up with its growing brand purpose of improving everyday lives through and beyond clothing. This means reinforcing its sustainability initiatives, building on disaster relief efforts, environmental programs, and local livelihood projects.
Aside from these efforts, UNIQLO Philippines is Supporting Brighter Futures through Education. Under UNIQLO’s new flagship sustainability initiative in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship and leading up to its 15th anniversary in the country by 2027, a portion of the proceeds from every purchase of select AIRism products will help support educational initiatives, benefiting 15 schools across the Philippines.
“The initiative is more than a campaign, as it reflects our long-term commitment to creating opportunities beyond our stores and contributing to communities where future generations can flourish,” says Geraldine Sia, UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer. “We believe that when children are given the opportunity to learn, entire communities move forward with them.”
The approach also supports UNIQLO’s global values that are deeply rooted in Japan: quality, simplicity, craftsmanship, innovation, and above all, respect for people, according to Ikezoe. He says the Filipino customers’ trust has allowed the brand to grow alongside the country, and with that growth comes an even greater responsibility to give back. This includes remaining committed to contributing to Philippine society beyond business, developing Filipino talent as UNIQLO views people as its greatest strength, and investing in continuing to bring LifeWear closer to more Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Sia adds, “We are grateful to everyone who has joined us on this journey, and we look forward to building many more partnerships that create lasting impact together.”
Learn more about UNIQLO’s mission, strategies, and items by visiting www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/. Follow @uniqlo on Facebook, @uniqlophofficial on Instagram, and @uniqlophofficial on TikTok.
