First Look at Chestnut Street’s New UNIQLO

Newsflash: UNIQLO is taking over Philadelphia. (Just kidding. It only seems like that.) After lots of breaking news, store confirmations and announcements (plus a store preview from us back in June!) UNIQLO’s 1608 Chestnut Street location finally opens tomorrow. Woohoo! Shoppist got in early to snap a few pics of the new spot, and get some intel. And we scored big time.

First, the Philly location is massive. With a basement floor, first floor, mezzanine, and a third floor, the building could have easily fallen victim to too much space without enough merch, but the store is packed with mainstay pieces, seasonal goods, in-house designs, and collaborations. It’s a beautiful sight.

The new Philly store is the only other place besides 5th Avenue to stock SPRZ NY, a MOMA special-edition collection, in its full gallery form. The ultra-modern section rotates art-inspired pieces every three weeks. (Currently you can find Warhol and Basquiat pieces in-store!)

You also can’t miss The Best of +J Collection. A favorite amongst UNIQLO fans for years, the fantastically chic collection (think lots of black, grey, and navy) is a compilation of the best pieces to appear since 2008. Think of it as a victory lap. (Psst: A store rep hinted that it would probably sell out soon—move quick!)

You need to check out the children’s section on the mezzanine—even if you don’t have kids. (Seriously, it’s that good.) The space is divided into boys and girls, has the coolest mismatch color floor and is the biggest of its kind nationwide. The adorable elastic waisted corduroys in a rainbow of colors don’t hurt either.

To cap it all off, the women’s floor has your favorite amped-up classics like Supima cotton, Pure Blue Japan Project, and a collaboration with Ines de La Fressange. There are grand opening discounts everywhere, too (think: $14.90 sweaters); keep an eye out.

So sit back, take it all in, and start making your shopping checklist for tomorrow’s opening. The ribbon-cutting starts at 9:30.