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Hundreds of shoppers queue as Uniqlo opens in Bristol
Hundreds of shoppers queued in the drizzle on Thursday for the opening of clothing store Uniqlo in Bristol.
More than 500 people waited outside the two-storey former Topshop unit in Cabot Circus and were treated to the sounds of traditional taiko drummers as part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Japanese retailer’s first store in the South West.
The first in line, which stretched down Brigstowe Street and along Hollister Street, was Laura McDonagh, who had taken the day off work to be there and arrived just after 6am.
“I don’t really like the queueing part, but I think I’ve become used to it,” Laura told Bristol24/7.
“I don’t really get bored anymore; it’s just become part of my personality to be in these queues.
“You meet people, you get the goody bags, get to see the store for the first time – it’s so nice.”
Laura McDonagh was eager to be first through the doors – photo: Molly Pipe
Fuelled by a Greggs breakfast, Lily Ferris had only been queuing for an hour and a half and said she was excited to no longer have to travel to London to visit a store.
“I love Uniqlo, but they never ever have it near us, so I thought I’d come along now that it’s in my home city,” she said.
Lily, who buys clothes from Uniqlo every other month, said she was not put off by the rain that began as the store was about to open at 10am.
Traditional taiko drummers welcomed shoppers into the store – photo: Molly Pipe
The Japanese retailer has over 2,500 stores worldwide and is known for its simplistic casual wear and artist collaborations.
Bristol customers will be able to customise T-shirts and tote bags and add embroidery featuring designs from Aardman, artist Melo and Noods Radio.
Melo, whose recognisable murals have brought colour to walls across our city, has also created an artwork celebrating the city’s street art culture above the shop’s stairwell.
She told Bristol24/7: “The piece is an installation made up of cut-out, painted boards, with characters, bits of nature, and little references to the home running through it.
“It’s rooted in the idea of Bristol becoming a new home for Uniqlo, pulling in influences from the city’s music scene, and the collaboration with Upfest.
“The designs are also going to be available as T-shirts, as well as a custom option where you can collage all the elements onto garments yourself, which I’m excited to try out.
“I wanted it to feel open and easy to engage with, so I hope that shoppers connect with it in their own way and enjoy exploring all the different elements.”
The store is decorated with artwork by Bristol-based muralist Melo – photo: Uniqlo
Alessandro Dudech, Uniqlo UK’s chief operating officer, said opening their first shop in Bristol “is a proud moment”.
“Bristol’s creativity, culture and strong sense of community make it a natural home for LifeWear.
“We are excited to finally welcome customers into the space and to become part of the city’s vibrant retail and cultural landscape.”
Uniqlo joins a number of new openings at the shopping centre including Odeon Luxe and Dave’s Hot Chicken, with Sephora set to open on April 30.
Main photo: Jack Davies
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