Japanese retailer Uniqlo opened its first store under the Uniqlo name in 1984.
The store opened in Hiroshima, Japan, marking the beginning of the retail brand that later became internationally known for casual basics and private-label clothing. Uniqlo's name derives from “Unique Clothing Warehouse,” although the spelling was changed during the company's early development.
Uniqlo grew from a Japanese clothing business into the main retail brand of Fast Retailing. Its model emphasizes large-scale production, simple designs, and technical fabrics such as HEATTECH and AIRism. The company later expanded across Asia, Europe, North America, and other markets.
A common mix-up concerns the parent company. Fast Retailing dates back to 1949, but the first Uniqlo store opened in 1984. The year therefore identifies the brand's retail launch, not the founding of its corporate parent.