Japan ’s retail success-story of the 1990’s, Uniqlo, chose Conran & Partners to design its first stores in the UK. With a strong anti-fashion philosophy, Uniqlo (‘Unique Clothing Warehouse’) sells high-quality casual clothing at moderate prices. The new stores build on the company’s functional and economic design ethic, reflecting its core values: simplicity, quality and value.

Placing emphasis on natural finishes, the stores include innovative features such as a smooth floor of tiny pebbles set in clear resin. Developed in Austria, this rarely used floor finish is extremely durable and low-maintenance and gives the interior an unusual yet understated richness. Suspended ceilings are stripped away to reveal service ducts and functional lighting painted-out in a neutral grey. Wall surfaces are concealed by a simple full-height chromed-wire shelving system, on which Uniqlo’s wide range of merchandise is displayed.