Grameen Uniqlo announce to close all stores in Bangladesh

Grameen Uniqlo, a social enterprise run by Tokyo-based apparel company Uniqlo in Bangladesh, will shut down by June 18, according to a statement on their website, using changes in the nation’s business environment as one of the causes.

The company was founded in 2010 by Uniqlo and Grameen Bank Group, and it presently runs 10 locations.

Uniqlo’s statement highlighted that since 2013, their goal was to enhance the lives of Bangladeshi citizens by offering clothing that meets their daily needs and creating safe employment opportunities, mainly in Dhaka. However, due to the country’s economic growth in recent years and changes in the business environment, they have decided to conclude their business activities.

Despite this, Fast Retailing Co, the parent company of Uniqlo, remains committed to Bangladesh, which they describe as one of their most crucial manufacturing locations. The company has had a production office in Bangladesh since 2008, and their partner factories in the country continue to manufacture Uniqlo products.

Fast Retailing Co is working to improve the lives of Bangladeshi people, as indicated in their Women’s Empowerment Programme launched in partnership with UN Women in 2019. The initiative supports the professional development of Bangladeshi women aspiring to leadership roles in garment factories.