Uniqlo bids to become India's most trusted apparel brand

On September 25 this year, the brand will open its first outlet in Pune, bringing the number of its stores in India to 18.

As clear evidence of the brand’s growing popularity, Uniqlo’s turnover in India climbed 31 per cent to $92.8 million in 2024, with net profit up 25 per cent to $9.7 million.

Regional focus

Uniqlo’s debut collaboration with Delhi-based designer Rina Singh blended minimalist design and Indian tradition, and the Japanese brand has subsequently moved to embrace local culture.

Its UTme! India Art Project further showcased T-shirts and tote bags designed by emerging Indian artists, celebrating the country’s cultural heritage, while giving a platform to fresh creative talent.

On the production side, Uniqlo is deepening partnerships with Indian manufacturers and suppliers to boost efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

Uniqlo continues to introduce its signature fabric technologies—Heattech, Airism and Ultra-light down—while tailoring collections to local Indian climates. Mumbai stores, for example offer lighter linen and Airism for tropical conditions, while Delhi outlets stock warmer Heattech apparel in winter.

Community involvement

Fast Retailing, the parent of Uniqlo, is also aligning its targeted design collections and bricks-and-mortar investments with other activities, such as its just-signed agreement with the Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), aimed at nurturing next-generation talent for India’s fast-evolving retail sector.

This tie-up will integrate industry-driven learning into BIMTECH’s curriculum through lectures, internships and placements via Uniqlo’s management candidate programme. Select students will also join Fast Retailing’s global management programme in Japan.

In partnership with UK-headquartered charity Plan International, the brand has also launched a job-oriented vocational training centre in Delhi to train up to 2,700 underprivileged young people—primarily women—over three years. Uniqlo employees actively mentor participants, helping them gain employable skills.

These initiatives are supported by the company’s Peace for All charity programme, reinforcing its mission to pair retail growth with meaningful social contribution.

With its thoughtful blend of global expertise, local partnerships, product innovation, social impact, and sustainability, Uniqlo is redefining what success can look like for an international retailer in India.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (CG)