According to Japanese news outlet Nikkei Asia the release could “herald a new design process and business model for operator Fast Retailing,” Uniqlo’s parent company.
The company is set to make only enough garments to meet customer demand without relying on third party suppliers. The knitted items are manufactured using 3-D technology by Fast Retailing partner Shima Seiki Manufacturing. Up to 1,000 pieces of fabric can be produced in one day.
“The usual development cycle for Fast Retailing products has had issues with disconnect between physically distant teams,” Nikkei Aisia wrote. “It starts off with planning by a team at the Ariake office, which works out numerical specifications for the new item. Once preparations for mass production get underway, the Ariake team then coordinates with the Innovation Factory, which was previously based in Wakayama, about 500km west of Tokyo.”
Included in the collection will be a cotton crewneck sweater, which is available at a Uniqlo flagship store in central Tokyo and online. This is the first time that the fast-fashion giant has taken apparel manufacturing in-house, signalling a potential roll-out to more stores if sales prove successful.
