For some people, shopping is something to suffer rather than celebrate, with smash and grab like raids or resorting to online retailers the only means of survival. Many Japanese on the other hand seem to see shopping as a source of happiness, or even a hobby, which practically turns popular shops into places of worship – sort of.
A mindset that makes the movie mantra of ‘If you build it, they will come’ ring very true indeed, especially in regards to recently opened outlets; however a fondness for fads also dictates that a fair number of them will fail in the far from distant future.
Such a situation makes the newly opened UNIQLO UT in Tokyo’s Harajuku district an intriguing one indeed, as the combination of a nationally well-known brand and an especially novel new shop means its immediate success is guaranteed.
But as it only sells T-shirts, will the fact that they are served tucked up in tubes rather than fastidiously folded on shelves be enough to hold the attention of the capital’s consumers in the long term?
Although considering Japan’s long lasting love affair with vending machines, the answer is probably a positive one.
Perhaps.
(click images for higher-res Harajuku homage)
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how would you try it on if its in a sealed tube like that???
With great difficulty!
To be honest, I don’t recall seeing any changing rooms, although I didn’t really look for any either, so there could be.
There are T-shirts on hangers in the centre of the shop though (you can just about see them in the top picture), so you can get an idea of the sizes that way I suppose.
Alright, I have to see this store… My wife will demand it.
I don’t know if selling t-shirts in a can, will be a long-term success but, on a personal note, I like the idea.
I never try things on at the store. So, simply taking a can marked L, paying for it, and taking it home, works for me.
Regards,
It’s a t-shirt. Why would you need to try on a t-shirt? They don’t need changing rooms.
Putting shirts in cans is definitely a space saver and maybe more sanitary so that you know that there is less of a chance that a sweaty person wore it before you and had the staff put it back if there is no changing room.
What id like to see next would be a pet store with a similar idea. I always find them a depressingly smelly experience to go in a choose a pet.
Just line them up in see through cans. A cleaner, far friendlier way to choose your animal companion.
For god’s sake, I should have gone to that shop….!!!
Looking at your fabulous photos…well, I feel like I was there. Just incredible! Incredible!
Hey,
It was really a nice idea.
cheers,
Rosy.
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http://www.rhinestonetshirts.net
This place is really cool. Novelty like manga shirts is a great bring back souvenir at a price that is greatly appreciated. As for long term sucess … I guess that they are doing something right …
A bit late to this party, but I’ve been to the shop and there are actually changing rooms…but they’re hidden up on the top floor and not really advertised. I did use one though, to figure out what size I would be in Uniqlo-land before going on a shopping spree.
hello sir pls can you ship down to nigeria