Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo is continuing its expansion in the US, signing up for a strategically significant flagship in Denver.

Uniqlo Denver will open in the Pavilions shopping centre, downtown in the Colorado state capital, displacing the former anchor, bookstore Barnes & Noble.

Pavilions is also home to Colorado’s largest H&M store, along with fashion brands Forever 21 and Banana Republic.

Uniqlo’s first Rocky Mountain region store will open in autumn 2016 once Barnes & Noble moves out.

The Uniqlo Denver flagship will featuring the brand’s full assortment of mens’, women’s and children’s lines. Pavilions management say it is the only store planned in Colorado by Uniqlo.

“Introducing new global brands to Denver is a key component of Gart Properties’ strategy for Denver Pavilions,” said Mark Sidell, president of Gart Properties, which owns the Denver Pavilions with another Denver family. “Opening the flagship Uniqlo store in the Rocky Mountain Region is a big win for downtown Denver. It’s sure to be a tourist attraction in addition to serving shoppers from all across the city and the state.”

Uniqlo currently has 42 stores in the US, selling comfortable, affordable and stylish casual apparel for men, women and children in natural and synthetic fabrics engineered to perform in varying climates and weather conditions.

Pavilions says it expects Uniqlo will strengthen the retail environment in downtown Denver and positively impact the downtown economy.

“In addition to creating local jobs, Uniqlo seeks to partner with local organisations and municipalities to give back to the communities where their customers live and work through a CSR program.