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Uniqlo Targets Boston in Growth Plan: Best News Ever?

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Uniqlo's LifeWear presentation, styled by Uniqlo's fashion director Nicola Formichetti
Uniqlo's LifeWear presentation, styled by Uniqlo's fashion director Nicola Formichetti

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Other than a nonexistent Topshop, the other sore spot for fast fashion in Boston is arguably a lack of Uniqlo—the Japanese chain grounded in high-performance basics in a cornucopia of colors, with accessible price points and innovative fabrics. WWD reports that Chief Operating Officer Larry Meyer hinted at the brand branching out from its three Manhattan stores and the New York metropolitan area to Boston and Philly leading into 2014.

It's worth noting though that Uniqlo does not like to be referred to as "fast fashion." Part of the move away from the sticky term is LifeWear, a new category sparked from the fusion of technology and fashion. For Fall 2013, the company is certainly veering away from some of its usual habits, introducing flannel and floral prints under the lead of new design director Naoki Takizawa, formerly of Issey Miyake and Helmut Lang.

Now that expansion plans are confirmed, where in Boston do you think Uniqlo will scout a spot? Newbury seems obvious, but we could see the retailer bringing a fresh spirit to the tourist-ridden Faneuil Hall marketplace or the perpetually redeveloping Downtown Crossing. Share your thoughts in the comments.
· Uniqlo's U.S. Push [WWD]
· Fast Fashion Brand Uniqlo Insists It's Not a Fast Fashion Brand [Racked]
· If Apple Has the iPhone, Uniqlo Has 'Lifewear' [Racked]