Space is an essential commodity for retailers and the further down the socio-economic scale you go, the more intensively it tends to be used.
It’s a surprise, therefore, to wander into Uniqlo, not 200 yards from the recently opened Topshop in lower Manhattan and see how the precious square footage has been allocated.
Although it has been open for a couple of years, it still looks one of the freshest in this part of New York and also one of the most cavalier in its use of space.
The first 20 or so yards of the interior of this cast-iron building have been given over to a glass case that acts almost like an internal shop window and makes up for the store’s narrow frontage.
The case is filled with mannequins reclining in odd poses on a white wooden frame and creates an impression that is considerably more upscale than the price tickets would indicate.
Uniqlo does benefit from the considerable reflected glamour that the interiors of buildings in this part of SoHo give to their occupants, but it has risen to the task of complementing the raw architecture with aplomb.
This was the first of the Japanese retailer’s global flagships, intended to act as a showcase for the brand as it continues to promote its brightly coloured cut-price merchandise.
Successful business at this end of the market is dependent on volume sales and to sacrifice space on this scale is a considerable risk.
That said, this is one of the most arresting stores in the area; it was busy, and will continue to give its British rival along the street a good run for its money.
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