Zara, H&M, Bershka – Munich has them all. If you like shopping, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth here in the city. But there is still one major fashion chain missing. This will soon change, as the Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo will soon be opening its first store in Schwabing.
Goodbye Zara, hello Uniqlo
The Spanish fashion giant Zara still had its store at Leopoldstraße 35 until the beginning of the year , when the news that the lease would expire on January 31 came as a surprise. The store stood empty for months, then the Uniqlo banners appeared in the windows, blocking the view inside and at the same time announcing the opening of the store in the fall. The exact date has now been set: the first branch of the Japanese chain will open its doors in Munich on Thursday, November 6.
📍 Location: Leopoldstraße 35, 80802 Munich
📅 Date: Thursday, November 06 from 10 a.m.
Fast fashion chains such as H&M and Zara have been struggling with Chinese competition in online retail for some time now, which is why stores have had to close time and again. Uniqlo, on the other hand, is currently expanding throughout Europe and has 11 stores in Germany so far. The Munich store will be number 12, so if you want to continue shopping at Zara instead, you will have to switch to the other stores in Neuhauser and Theatinerstraße, as well as in the OEZ and Riem Arcaden.
What makes Uniqlo special
The chain’s very first store opened in Hiroshima in 1984, back then under the name “Unique Clothing Warehouse”. This was later shortened to the current name Uniqlo and there are now over 2,700 branches of the chain worldwide. What sets the Japanese retailer apart from other fashion stores is its promise to sell long-lasting textiles that focus on functionality rather than fast-moving trends. The fashion aspect is by no means neglected; the pieces are kept simple but stylish. “LifeWear” is the motto and therefore also the company’s promise.
The new flagship store in Schwabing offers fashion on 900 square meters spread over two floors. You can see for yourself on November 6 from 10 am. There will be a limited edition bag for the opening in which you can take your new treasures home. The first 200 visitors who spend at least €80 will receive a goodie bag. The Munich brewery Paulaner is also a partner of the store and will have its own specialty collection. You can also have your own T-shirts printed for the grand opening. You also have the chance to win a trip to Japan via Uniqlo’s own website!