Japanese apparel brand Uniqlo plans to open a large-scale store in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro in March.

The store will span 2644 sqm and will offer the latest products for men, women, kids, and babies.

Ikebukuro is a major commercial hub in the north of Tokyo, popular with students. With the launch of the Fukutoshin subway line in the area in 2008, Ikebukuro has seen ever increasing foot traffic, and this trend is expected to continue.

Meanwhile, its parent company Fast Retailing said net income grew 8.8 per cent to 41.8 billion yen ($398.2 million) as net sales increased 22.3 per cent to 389 billion yen ($3.7 billion) during the three months to November 2013.

Uniqlo sales in Japan expanded 1.8 per cent to 208.4 billion yen ($1.9 billion) while the international sales rose 76.8 per cent to 114 billion yen ($1.1 billion).

Fast Retailing expects sales to grow 15.7 per cent to 1.3 trillion yen ($12.4 billion) this year.

The company has recruited new leaders to help it continue grow its business worldwide.

LeAnn Nealz, a former Juicy Couture president and chief creative officer, has been appointed chief creative officer for Uniqlo global design.

John Fleming, who previously worked as EVP and chief merchandising officer at Walmart Stores, was hired as CEO of Uniqlo e-commerce globally.

Steven Sare also has joined the company as chief merchandising officer of Uniqlo USA. Prior to that, he worked as senior VP and general merchandising manager at Express Incorporated.

And Jörgen Andersson, who held various roles at H&M, has been recruited as co-global chief marketing officer of Uniqlo.