GU’s new flagship store in New York blends digital and physical retail, using its app to let customers scan items, check inventory, and get personalized sizing through the “MySize CAMERA.” This approach supports the "Click-and-Mortar" trend, which has grown 38% since 2020 across major markets, per a PYMNTS report. With affordable, curated collections, GU’s "MINI edit MAX" strategy is a unique take on trend-driven fashion, combining style and affordability to differentiate itself from sister brand Uniqlo. GU aims to create a tech-forward, eco-friendly U.S. shopping experience.

Fast Retailing, owner of Uniqlo, saw a 27% profit rise to $3.5B as sales jumped 12% to $19.5B. Global demand, especially in the US and Europe, drove growth, despite China underperforming. Uniqlo's viral products fueled its success.

Fast Retailing's GU launched its first USA store in New York's SoHo, marking its expansion beyond Asia. The 950 sqm store offers trendy, affordable items. GU also unveiled a collaboration with Japanese brand Undercover & launched online shop + app for the US market.

Seven & i Holdings rejected Alimentation Couche-Tard’s $38B offer, calling it too low and risky. The deal could create a 100K-store giant, but 7-Eleven is skeptical. The Japanese firm is open to better offers but warns of regulatory hurdles.

Mercari opens its first U.S. store in LA and links U.S. shoppers to Japan's marketplace. The store offers unique items from Japan, and now, U.S. customers can buy directly from millions of sellers in Japan with ease.

Rakuten is teaming up with eBay to test the U.S. market for used Japanese fashion goods. The trial, starting with seven vendors, takes advantage of the yen's low value. This venture, which began on May 8, aims to capitalize on the currency effect and global bargain hunting.

Asics' new Nimbus Marai, a fully recyclable running shoe, hit stores on April 12, aiming for a sustainable future. Retailing at $180, the initiative includes a returns program in several countries.

Uber, Mitsubishi Electric, and Cartken unveil a groundbreaking service in Tokyo, launching end of March. Using Cartken's Model C robots, they aim to tackle the logistics crisis with innovative solutions.

🇯🇵 Uniqlo sues Shein over viral shoulder bag copy. Uniqlo claims Shein's product infringes on their popular "Round Mini Shoulder Bag," demanding €1M in damages. The lawsuit, filed in Tokyo, highlights intellectual property rights in fast fashion.