The day so many Vancouver shoppers have been waiting for is finally here: Uniqlo, the Japanese clothing store, has opened their first Western Canadian location.
Located at Burnaby's Metropolis at Metrotown in the Grand Court Atrium, Uniqlo has been a hotly anticipated addition to the local shopping scene, and the company did their homework and focused on tapping into what Vancouverites want to wear and buy.
Here's what it's like to be in lineup for the Uniqlo opening at Metrotown right now ? https://t.co/MOsys5zy52 pic.twitter.com/exQAMdjBVU
— Vancouver Is Awesome (@VIAwesome) October 6, 2017
Uniqlo's roots go back to 1949, but about 20 years ago the company took a page from The Gap's playbook and switched their focus to producing their own label of casual wear, and opening stores around the world. The retailer hit Canada with a one-two punch in 2016, opening at Toronto's Eaton Centre in September and Yorkdale shopping centre the following month.
Opening day lines (Vancouver Is Awesome)
Today's launch of the Uniqlo store marks the brand's third foray into the country, and its first and only in Western Canada. Line ups started a couple of hours before the store's 10 am open, with many eager queue-ers hoping to win a trip to Japan as a perk for being a door crasher.
According to one of the people in line, with two hours to go to opening there were about 300 people in line, and there was an overflow line established, too.
Here's a look at the crazy lines, as well as what's in store inside Western Canada's first Uniqlo:
Here's what you'll find inside Uniqlo:
Read more about Uniqlo's West Coast style in The Westender.
