From Mistake to Masterstroke: The Unique Story Behind Uniqlo’s Name
Uniqlo was supposed to be Uni Clo
In the competitive world of fashion retail, Uniqlo stands out not just for its high-quality, affordable priced casual clothing but also for its distinctive name—a name that owes its existence to a happy accident.
Originally intended as a mash-up of the words “unique” and “clothing,” the Japanese clothing brand was meant to be called “UniClo.” However, this seemingly straightforward combination raised a question: why take four letters from “unique” and only two from “clothing,” resulting in the somewhat awkward “UniClo”.
The story takes an interesting turn in 1988, four years after the first Uniqlo store opened. At that time, the brand was expanding internationally and needed to register a joint-venture company in Hong Kong.
The brand’s local partner, tasked with filling out the paperwork, mistakenly wrote “Uniqlo” instead of “UniClo.” When Tadashi Yanai, Uniqlo’s founder and president, saw the error, he surprisingly embraced it. Yanai thought the “Q” made the name look cooler and more distinctive, leading to the official rebranding of all stores in Japan—and subsequently worldwide—to “Uniqlo.”
Uniqlo Ginza store
This serendipitous clerical error proved to be a masterstroke in branding. The name “Uniqlo” not only preserved the intended meaning but also added an element of uniqueness, fitting for a company that prides itself on offering distinctive clothing options.
Before this change, the brand’s logo featured a red triangle with illustrated people holding hands above the English words “Unique Clothing Warehouse.” This name, though meaningful, was quite a mouthful for Japanese speakers, leading to its abbreviation. The Japanese signage read “ユニ・クロ” (Yuni Kuro) with a dividing dot to emphasize the combination of “Uni” and “Clo.”
Uniqlo flagship store in Ginza
As Uniqlo continued to grow, the company updated its logo and branding. The once darker red logo evolved into the bright red we recognize today, symbolizing the brand’s vibrant and innovative spirit.
Uniqlo’s journey from “UniClo” to “Uniqlo” underscores the importance of adaptability and the potential of unexpected opportunities in business. The brand’s ability to turn a simple paperwork error into a defining feature of its identity is a testament to its creative and forward-thinking approach.
Today, Uniqlo is a global fashion powerhouse with over 2,000 stores worldwide. The story of its name serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best branding decisions can come from the most unexpected places, highlighting the unique path of a company that has truly embraced its identity.