Victoria’s first Uniqlo store is almost ready to welcome shoppers, and Victoria Buzz got a look inside before the doors officially open at Mayfair Shopping Centre this Friday.
The global apparel brand is set to launch its first Vancouver Island location on November 21st, taking over a large stretch of the mall’s main floor, located next to Sport Chek.
The space merges the former Sunrise Records, Boathouse, La Chateau and other relocated storefronts into one bright, spacious shop measuring more than 15,000 square feet.
Victoria Buzz’s Jade Chamberlin had early access Tuesday night and described the store as “spacious and inviting”, noting that the lighting is warm without being harsh, and the staff were friendly and eager to walk guests through the brand’s signature LifeWear collection.
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“LifeWear is clothing that is made for all, designed to make everyone’s life better. It is simple, high quality, everyday clothing with a practical sense of beauty – ingenious in detail, thought through with life’s needs in mind, timeless in style, and always evolving,” said the company in a media release.
Uniqlo has planned a full weekend of festivities to celebrate the launch with the local community, including freebies, giveaways, and cultural performances.
Friday, November 21st – opening schedule:
- 9:15 a.m. – Complimentary coffee and cookies for the first 300 customers
- 9:35 a.m. – Taiko drumming performance by Uminari Taiko
- 9:45 a.m. – Opening speeches
- 9:55 a.m. – Ribbon cutting
- 10 a.m. – Doors officially open
The first 100 customers through the doors on Friday will also receive a Uniqlo-branded water bottle.
Shoppers all weekend long can spin the UNIQLO “Garapon Wheel,” or Japanese lottery wheel, for a chance to win prizes such as Instax Mini cameras, Uniqlo bottles, Japanese snacks and green tea.
Uniqlo first entered Canada in 2016 and has quickly grown to more than 30 stores across the country. Now Victoria shoppers get their turn and if the preview is any indication, the store is ready for a busy first weekend.
Here’s a first look inside the new store before opening day:
