UNIQLO to open second Manchester store, prepares biggest year of UK growth for 2027

Japanese apparel retailer UNIQLO, part of Fast Retailing, has confirmed its second Manchester store, opening at the Trafford Centre on 15 October 2026, alongside plans for new stores in Bath and Brighton in 2027. The Trafford Centre store makes Manchester the first UK city outside London to have two UNIQLO stores.

Spanning 1,440 square metres, the new store will carry UNIQLO's full LifeWear range for women, men, kids and babies, including seasonal pieces such as Soufflé Yarn knitwear and Seamless Down jackets. To mark the opening, the first 300 customers spending over £69.90 receive a goody bag, and app users can enter a prize draw for a trip to Tokyo with any purchase.

In 2027, UNIQLO will also open stores in Bath and Brighton, alongside previously announced locations in Canary Wharf and Leeds. The Bath store, at South Gate Bath, spans around 740 square metres across two floors and follows UNIQLO's earlier opening at Cabot Circus in Bristol, while the Brighton store at Churchill Square will span approximately 940 square metres.

"Looking ahead, 2027 will be our most ambitious year of store expansion to date, with our newly-announced stores in Bath and Brighton joining previously-announced stores in Canary Wharf and Leeds," said Alessandro Dudech, COO of UNIQLO UK. "These new locations reflect our long-term investment in the UK market and our ambition to become an even more accessible destination for customers nationwide."

Cambridge opening

The announcement follows the opening of UNIQLO Grand Arcade, the brand's first Cambridge store, on 24 September 2026. Located on St Andrew's Street, the two-floor store carries UNIQLO's LifeWear range for women and men and features a large-scale mural by Cambridge-based illustrator Lele Saa, depicting the city's landmarks across the staircase.

UNIQLO has also partnered with the University of Cambridge on a collegiate-inspired capsule, including exclusive UTme! T-shirts and embroidered mini shoulder bags available only at the Grand Arcade store. "The University of Cambridge is known around the world for excellence in both academia and sport, and it is wonderful to see that heritage reflected in a collection that resonates with students, alumni, local communities and visitors alike," said Len Dunne, CEO of Curating Cambridge.