UNIQLO’s Affordable Outerwear Gains Traction in Business Market
UNIQLO, known for its casual apparel, is increasingly appealing to business professionals with its affordable outerwear options, according to recent reports. A key item driving this trend is a jacket priced at 6,990 Japanese yen (approximately $1,398 NTD), which experts say is gaining popularity for its simple design and quality.
The appeal lies in the jacket’s suitability for important business occasions, such as meetings, client visits, and contract signings, offering a balance of professionalism and affordability. This shift highlights UNIQLO’s expanding reach beyond its traditional customer base and into the more formal business attire segment.
A recent report in the Japanese publication ITmedia noted that a business journalist regularly wears UNIQLO jackets, shirts, and trousers during interviews. The publication observed that the most expensive business outfit available at a UNIQLO store in Tokyo was priced at 19,900 yen (approximately $3,980 NTD) for a combination of an elastic wool jacket and elastic wool pants.
Though, the “miracle air jacket” priced at 6,990 yen (approximately $1,398 NTD) and the accompanying “miracle air pants” at 2,990 yen (approximately $590 NTD) are becoming the mainstream choice for business attire due to their lower price point. According to Mugamie, president of Hidewa System, a consulting firm for the distribution, retail, and service industries, the combination of the “miracle air” jacket and pants is “completely acceptable” in most business settings.
The growing popularity of UNIQLO’s business casual options comes as Japan’s economy continues to navigate a weaker yen. Recent reports indicate that the depreciation of the yen has boosted export-oriented stocks, including Fast Retailing Co., UNIQLO’s parent company, which recently reported strong financial results. The Tokyo stock market responded positively to the news, ending a two-day decline on September 9th with the Nikkei 225 index rising 822.63 points, or 1.61%, to close at 51,939.89 points.
