Providing quality products and services, supporting the local area where stores are located, implementing social projects... are ways for Uniqlo to realize its commitment to the community.
Amidst many changes and challenges, Uniqlo continues to develop on schedule thanks to its ability to connect with the community in Vietnam.
A survey of Japanese enterprises investing abroad in fiscal year 2023, published by the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) at the end of January, showed that more than half of enterprises want to expand their business in Vietnam. Of these, 100% of Japanese retailers surveyed have plans to expand.
For many companies, 2023 will not be an easy time to do business, while 2024 will also be unpredictable. But the confidence of many Japanese businesses, especially in the retail industry, reflects the great prospects of the Vietnamese economy, but also reveals their ability to adapt and connect with this market.
Customers experience a Uniqlo store in Vietnam. Photo: Uniqlo
With 22 stores in Vietnam, Uniqlo is a typical example. Last year, the brand opened 7 more points of sale. Not only has the number of stores increased nearly 4 times compared to the first year, the popularity of LifeWear clothing also shows the development of this brand in recent times.
NielsenIQ's survey at the end of 2023 showed that 99% of customers choose to buy Ultra Light Down down jackets in cold weather and 98% of customers rated Heat Tech thermal jackets as having good heat retention ability.
These days in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Nishida Hideki - General Director of Uniqlo Vietnam, shares his pride when observing many customers using the brand's UV-protective jackets when riding motorbikes on the road.
"2023 will have many fluctuations and challenges, but we will still grow according to the set roadmap in the Vietnamese market. In particular, we see that Uniqlo products are increasingly popular," said Mr. Nishida Hideki at the event introducing the LifeWear Spring-Summer 2024 collection with the theme "Ease Into Lightness - The light and airy season" recently held in Ho Chi Minh City.
Uniqlo Vietnam General Director - Nishida Hideki is proud that LifeWear is gradually becoming a familiar choice for many customers. Photo: Uniqlo
Uniqlo's growth in Vietnam is thanks to its LifeWear philosophy, according to Nishida Hideki. They believe that creating clothes also contributes to making the world a better place.
"That belief is a core part, leading us to develop for decades around the world. In Vietnam, we are also committed to contributing to the development of society in our strategic focus," he said.
This commitment includes aspects such as: providing quality products and services; human development; supporting local development where stores are located, implementing community projects such as providing clean water to the Mekong Delta, donating old clothes through the Re.Uniqlo project...
For products, LifeWear combines technology and art, delivering simple, high-quality, and practical clothing.
But quality products and services are not enough. "I believe that a company's business operations need to be built on a stable social foundation," said Nishida Hideki. Therefore, contributing to society, respecting and cooperating with diverse stakeholders including customers are indispensable.
Uniqlo Vietnam has implemented a series of projects over the years. Recently, the unit inaugurated the Trong Tro kindergarten in Ho Bon commune, Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai province, on February 1. The school is a cooperation between Uniqlo and the Hope Foundation, with a scale of two classrooms, a kitchen and separate toilets for boys and girls.
"I believe education is the best investment for children - the future of the country. Through the project, we hope that children will have improved learning conditions and access to more opportunities," said Mr. Nishida Hideki.
Children at Trong Tro school. Photo: Uniqlo
Previously, this fashion retail chain collaborated with young domestic creators to bring the UTme! T-shirt collection with the theme "Connecting Vietnam - Japan", and used the revenue of this collection until the end of 2023 to contribute to the school construction fund.
"In the coming time, we will continue to implement committed projects such as Re.Uniqlo, expand recruitment of disabled employees, and train and develop young talents," he added.
Launched in 2021 with the Hope Foundation, the Re.Uniqlo project creates a new life for used clothing to promote sustainable development goals. About 4,000 products were donated to students, teachers and the community in Mu Cang Chai on the occasion of the recent inauguration of Trong Tro school. To date, the program has been expanded to other localities such as Ha Giang, Dien Bien, Son La, Yen Bai and Binh Phuoc.
Or with the project "Bringing clean drinking water to the Mekong Delta" implemented from the beginning of 2023, in coordination with the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Supporting Poor Patients to provide clean drinking water to people affected by drought and saltwater intrusion. The project equips 10 primary and preschool schools in Chau Thanh district (Ben Tre) with direct drinking water filtration systems, expected to expand to other provinces and cities this year.
In parallel, the training and development program for young talents to help potential candidates become store managers or senior staff continues to expand. Recruitment of people with disabilities will be implemented for the first time in the Hanoi area in March. To date, Uniqlo has more than 1,000 employees operating the retail chain in Vietnam, with 70% of store managers being Vietnamese.
With the "three-legged stool" of quality products, human development and community contribution, Uniqlo's development secret in Vietnam over the past time promises to be the key to overcoming fluctuations and getting closer to the goal of "becoming the leading trusted brand in Vietnam", as Mr. Nishida Hideki declared.
"New year, new season brings us new hope. Vietnam is still a dynamic and potential market," he affirmed.
Hoai Phong
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