Meet UNIQLO

You’ve walked by the Faneuil pop-up shop in the former Kingfish Hall restaurant spot. What’s all the hub bub in the Hub, you wonder as you peek in and glimpse a cheerful display of bright ensembles. Now you’re certain to find out, with the name Uniqlo on every fashion-forward Bostonian’s lips. This temporary storefront marks the beginning of the Japanese retailer’s speedy development into the metro area.

Living out its name in nature, Uniqlo is owned by Fast Retailing Company (of Theory, J Brand and Helmut Lang fame). This fast-moving clothing name is opening up several brick and mortars in and around Boston. Known for its affordable selection of everyday mix-and-match basics in a vivid palette, you can fill your closets with silky crew neck t-shirts, slim-cut blazers, broadcloth shirts, tailored chinos, dresses, denim and leggings.

Uniqlo carries collections for men, women, babies and kids, all boasting big news in innovative fabric technologies and sigh-worthy price tags. Imagine getting a great outfit for under $100.

With six modern, bright locations in the works, the first two shops will open in Chestnut Hill and Natick on August 29. Then it’s a monthly rollout, with Northshore Mall in Peabody on September 19 and Legacy Place in Dedham on October 24. But Boston proper shoppers, don’t fret. Spring 2015 will see you picking out outfits at a Back Bay flagship store at341 Newbury Street and a shop in Faneuil Hall.

Here’s what Uniqlo had to say about its takeover of the Boston fashion scene.

BM: How would you describe the unique style of Uniqlo?

U: UNIQLO creates clothing that focuses on the wearer, with comfort you can feel, that takes into account the functionality required of an everyday item. Our LifeWear is a completely new category of fashion that blurs the line between sportswear and casual clothing.

BM: How does that philosophy fit into our city’s sense of style?

U: Boston is known for its classic American style and casual elegance. Our products offer the latest essentials with innovation and real value. Our sustainably grown Supima cotton line, linen shirts, premium jeans, and exceptional basics such as polos, fleece and UT T-shirt collection are all items that fit seamlessly into any wardrobe. They’ll provide a base for our customers to mix and match with their favorite fashion pieces.

BM: How is Uniqlo’s style different than what Bostonians have seen from other retailers?

U: Rather than dictating styles or following trends, UNIQLO focuses on providing clothing that takes into account the customer’s needs. Everything is designed with that in mind. Our philosophy is to have the best products that can be worn in most versatile way within one’s existing wardrobe.  We pride ourselves on innovation and design – “Function without Waste.”

BM: What items will savvy Bostonians be dying to get their hands on?

We know in the heart of baseball playoffs and football season, Bostonians need great layering pieces as they cheer on their favorite players and teams. Our unique HEATTECH products, which generate and retain heat, provide warmth and comfort in cooler conditions. HEATTECH is also great for those fall runs when you need a little extra warmth as the temperature drops. Our Ultra Light Down jacket is another affordable and stylish go-to product for whenever a cold front moves in.

BM: How does Uniqlo plan on embracing the Boston crowd and imbedding itself in the community?

At UNIQLO, our mission is to “Change Clothes, Change Conventional Wisdom, Change the World.” This embodies our brand’s spirit and is an integral part of our business activities. We’ve teamed up with the Red Sox Foundation (RSF) – the official team charity of the Boston Red Sox – to sponsor the Red Sox Scholars Program. UNIQLO is proud to be making a $50,000 donation to the RSF and collaborate with the organization on several community events, including hosting 250 of the Red Sox Scholars for a back-to-school shopping spree at our Faneuil Hall Marketplace pop-up shop. We believe clothing has inherent value, and we seek ways to improve the lives of people around the world.

With everything from jeans to dresses, linen pants to workout wear, Uniqlo is truly a unique addition to stylish Boston.