Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo will open its first store in Vietnam by the end of the year, its largest in Southeast Asia. 

Uniqlo Vietnam will occupy a 3000sqm area and comprise three storeys of what is now the Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza, opposite the Vincom Mall which is home to arch rivals H&M and Zara. 

The new store will feature the full global lineup of Uniqlo’s LifeWear along with products created by local artist to showcase the vibrant culture of the city. 

A kids zone will be designed to enhance family shopping experience. 

With the new expansion, Uniqlo Vietnam will directly compete with major fast fashion brands, including Zara and H&M, who launched in Vietnam two years ago and already have multiple outlets in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Old Navy and Italian chain OVS. 

Last August, Uniqlo Vietnam established its business with a capital of US$8.8 million. Vietnam will be Uniqlo’s sixth market in Southeast Asia, following Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia.