We’ve gotten word that Japanese cheap n’ chic retailer Uniqlo is coming to Canada, and is negotiating a lease for part of the sub-basement space in Vancouver’s Downtown Hudson’s Bay building, directly below the recently opened TopShop. We are waiting to hear about the store’s potential size and how many Canadian locations Uniqlo wants.
We previously reported Uniqlo’s potential Canadian entry with few other details.
Uniqlo has five American stores with several more on the way. The chain wants to open 20-30 American stores per year and ultimately wants to be the world’s top apparel retailer by the year 2020.
Please note that these lease negotiation talks are for space located within the Hudson’s Bay building and that Hudson’s Bay is not the organization bringing Uniqlo to Canada like it did with TopShop. That means Uniqlo could chose not to occupy this space and/or could choose other free-standing retail locations across Canada.
We’ll keep you updated on Uniqlo’s Canadian expansion. Also check out their American website, posted below, to get an idea what their clothing is like. We’ll be shopping there, guaranteed.
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Uniqlo American website: http://www.uniqlo.com/us
I hope when Uniqlo opens in Vancouver, hopefully it will not lose amazing customer service. As you know when you hire local Canadians, there are not sense what so ever about customer service but bad attitude!
I totally agree with Dai. Excellent customer service is the corner stone of the Japanese shopping experience. If they instil that in their local hires, the shop will be successful over the long haul. Hopefully it will make an impression on other shop owners in Vancouver, and Canada for that matter.
Dai,
Don't blame the employee look at the employer. Good or bad service is not cultural.
Coming from someone who worked in the retail industry for several years I understand this. But I also understand that employees side to it as well. Most CUSTOMERS here in Canada (especially Vancouver) are very rude, especially those who shop in lower price point stores. They are always far more nit picky and messy than customers who shop high end and seem to have higher expectations even though they are paying much less for an item. As well stores like this always pay mostly minimum wage. This leaves very little motivation for that young employee to always have a smile on her face for every person that walks in. If Vancouverites want good customer service at cheaper retail stores they are going to have to start treating people with a little respect. Otherwise that employee really isn't going to give a damn about that $5 shirt you want to buy.