Fast Retailing Co., operator of Japanese fashion brand Uniqlo, will open the first Korean store of its casual wear brand GU in September, with hopes to expand its presence in the country’s bourgeoning fast fashion industry that has grown on young people seeking reasonably-priced and trendy garments.

GU said in a press conference in central Seoul on Thursday that it will open its first store in Korea on September 14 inside Lotte World Mall in Jamsil, southern Seoul. GU - founded in Japan in 2006 - launched its overseas operations in 2013 and has opened outlets in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The 1,388 square-meter store in Seoul will offer diverse line-up ranging from men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothing. Consumers will be greeted by so-called GU advisors who have received fashion- and make-up related training to provide personalized styling advice to customers.

GU will launch an official mobile app on Aug. 1 and open an online store on Sept. 1 before the grand opening of its offline store. The app will provide various information on GU brand and products, as well as allow customers to purchase items via the online store.

GU said that the brand offers products and services based on designs developed from its research and development centers in London and Tokyo. It also offers differentiated shopping experience by linking its mobile app, an online store, and offline stores selling products that reflect the latest global fashion trend. GU currently runs 393 stores in Japan and overseas.

Uniqlo and GU will strive to create synergy and grow into leading global fashion brands together without cannibalization in the competitive fast fashion world, Fast Retailing said.

By Kang Da-young and Lee Eun-joo

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