Apparel retail business model
UNIQLO was the first company in Japan to establish an SPA (Specialty store retailer of Private label Apparel)* model encompassing all stages of the business-from design and production to final sale. By continuously refining its SPA model, UNIQLO successfully differentiates itself from other companies by developing unique products. We quickly make adjustments to production to reflect the latest sales trends and to minimize storeoperation costs such as personnel expenses and rent. This is how we at UNIQLO provide such high-quality clothing at such reasonable prices.
* The SPA (Specialty store retailer of Private label Apparel) business model incorporates the entire clothes-making process from procurement of materials, product planning, development and manufacture through distribution and retail to inventory management.
Research & Development (Designers/Pattern Makers)
UNIQLO's R&D centers continually research the latest fashions and lifestyles from around the world as well as look for new materials.
Concept meetings are held roughly one year before a product's intended launch. On these occasions, R&D designers meet with representatives from the merchandising, marketing, materials development and production departments to discuss and finalize concepts for upcoming seasons. Then UNIQLO's R&D centers prepare designs and continue to refine samples until each product is finalized.