MAGNIFICENT MILE — Japanese fashion retailer Uniqlo opened the doors of its first Midwest location Friday at 830 N. Michigan Ave., at the former site of Filene's Basement.
With 60,000 square feet spanning three floors above Columbia Sportswear, Uniqlo runs the gamut between casual fashion and practical winter wear for men, women and children. That's a balance, according to general manager Stacy Hamai, that's perfect for the company's newest home.
"We're all about making life easier through fashion, whether that means sweaters that are machine washable or super-light thermal gear that keeps you warm," Hamai said. "And we know how important that is in Chicago, so we're sure we'll fit right in."
At a VIP opening Thursday night, more than 100 guests got an early peek at the pristine and luminous store, complete with a Starbucks on the top floor. Among the visitors was Michael Dienstbach, who said he discovered Uniqlo years ago and, until now, had been buying its clothes online.
Uniqlo "is really popular in online fashion circles, especially Reddit. It's known for being really conscious of fashion trends while also being pretty cheap," Dienstbach said. "I'd say it's the perfect place for someone who's just trying to get into fashion, but doesn't want to spend too much."
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning, Mayor Rahm Emanuel offered his own praise of the company.
“Uniqlo is a global company and a welcome addition to Chicago’s retail landscape,” Emanuel said in a news release. “The strength of Chicago’s economy is a draw for shoppers and tourists, and this store is opening just in time for the holiday season.”
Based in Tokyo, Uniqlo opened its first American location in SoHo, Manhattan in 2006. Since then the brand has expanded to more than 40 stores on the East and West coasts, but the Friday opening marked the chain's first-ever introduction to the Midwest.
Being situated on the Magnificent Mile will "offer the best shopping experience for both tourists and Chicagoans alike," Uniqlo USA Vice Chairman Larry Meyer said.
Uniqlo is also partnering with youth organizations like 100,000 Opportunities and After School Matters to broaden its community reach, according to Hamai.
Local students were invited to design Chicago-style T-shirts, which were on display at the store's preopening. The shirts will be entered into a contest, Hamai said, and the winning design will be sold with the rest of its products.
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