Uniqlo launches new hybrid store with electronics chain

The new store is called Bicqlo, a mash-up between the casual clothing chain Uniqlo and Bic, for Bic Camera, one of Japan’s leading electronic chains.

The new 4,000-square-meter mega store is eight stories high and has three basement floors. The Shinjuku store features some 80 mannequins dressed in Uniqlo apparel while holding cameras and other home electronic products such as vacuum cleaners.

The Bicqlo mega store, which targets Japanese consumers with its cross-market appeal, has already launched intensive marketing campaigns on the Tokyo subway. For instance, the Yamanote line that runs through downtown Tokyo features train carriages decorated with Bicqlo advertisements. Advertisements also feature prominently inside the trains, as well as throughout Shinjuku Station

“With this newest store, UNIQLO hopes to help revitalize Japan by pumping energy and excitement into Shinjuku, the vibrant retail district that visitors from all over the world regularly flock to,” Uniqlo’s parent, Fast Retailing Co, explained in a press statement.

Uniqlo, which has more than 1,100 stores worldwide, announced that there are plans to open more Bicqlo stores in New York and Paris.

It remains to be seen if this unprecedented retail mash-up of fashion and electronics will be successful. Another example of another unlikely and never-before-seen partnership is the recent tie-up announced this year between Dallas-based luxury store Neiman Marcus and American discount retailer Target to launch a limited edition collection of fashion products for the Christmas season.

EW