5 things to look forward to at the new Uniqlo Global Flagship store

SINGAPORE — You probably know almost everything about Uniqlo’s first South-east Asian global flagship store even before it opens this Friday (Sept 2): How it spans nearly 2,700sqm over three levels at Orchard Central, that it stocks a mind-boggling array of tees at its dedicated UT corner and features sophisticated décor elements such as dark wood and black display fixtures.

There’s more. We got an exclusive sneak peek to the store today and yes, the Orchard Central store is probably the next best thing to being in the Uniqlo flagship in Ginza. It oozes slick energy and high style — from having the largest collection of dresses in Uniqlo stores worldwide to the smallest details such as creating original music with Singaporean music collective Syndicate to enhance your shopping experience.

Here are five other things you should pay attention to when you barge into the store come Sept 2.

1. Singaporean businesses get a special place in the store

In line with the store concept of ‘U+S and the World’ meant to promote Singaporean culture, style and creativity, the Uniqlo store here has done up a corner showcasing its immediate neighbourhood of Orchard. You see a total of 24 homegrown businesses proudly taking their places among the offerings from this Japanese retail giant on the third level, with Boon’s Pottery, Lloyd’s Inn, Choo Yilin and Orchard Yong Tau Foo among them,

2. See yourself on one of its 286 digital screens

The store here has more digital screens than any other Uniqlo stores globally. While the screens play a reel featuring local talents such as 79-year-old granny and rocker Mary Ho, and skater/cinematographer Juffrie Friday and carpenter Kelvin Ang, you too can be among them if you upload a picture of yourself expressing yourself creatively on Instagram or on Facebook with the hashtag #yourstagenowlive.

3. Uniqlo’s exclusive cashmere line

Who says you can’t go luxe with Uniqlo? Uniqlo is unveiling its cashmere line exclusively at this store in Singapore. Each piece is made of 100 per cent cashmere wool to boot.

4. Do more than just shop here

Uniqlo is roping in Singaporean creatives and talents to hold a diverse range of workshops within its premises after it opens on Sept 2. Learn more about poetry writing and appreciation with poet Cyril Wong; pick up brush calligraphy with calligraphy expert Craft Varies and get tips on floral arrangement from florist Floral Magic. To find out more about these courses and to sign up, visit its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/uniqlo.sg).

5. Collect the shopping bags

Don’t call us auntie cos you’d want these bags too. Uniqlo has collaborated with four different local illustrators — Soh Ee Shuan, Adeline Tan, Wu Yan Rong and John Fan — who each came up with a design for the shopping bags, which are given out exclusively here with your purchases. These limited edition bags come in different sizes, and are only available while stocks last.

Uniqlo Global Flagship at Orchard Central opens Sept 2 at 10am.