Uniqlo Le Marais, in Paris, France, has been recognised as the best fashion and footwear retail concept of 2014.

Opened in April, Uniqlo Le Marais is housed in a mid-19th century former foundry, combining a modern layout with historical features, such as its 35-meter red brick chimney.

It is a unique frame for a Uniqlo shopping experience which also includes an exclusive collection of non-apparel Uniqlo memorabilia produced exclusively for the store.

The award was bestowed on the Japanese-owned Fast Retailing business by MAPIC, a global industry association for retail and property development, whose awards recognise excellence, innovation, and creativity in the retail real estate industry.

Fast Retailing Group officer and Uniqlo Europe CEO Berndt Hauptkorn said the company was thrilled to be recognised for the design.

“It is a superb recognition and we are sincerely proud of our accomplishment in offering an exceptional experience for Uniqlo customers,” he said.