In Pictures: Uniqlo unveils store at Bristol’s Cabot Circus as UK store expansion gathers pace

Uniqlo has opened a new store at Cabot Circus in Bristol, marking the retailer’s debut store in the South West as its UK retail expansion ramps up.

Set to follow in autumn/winter 2026 will be a new store in Cambridge, believed to be in the former Ted Baker unit, as well as another in Leeds.

Uniqlo currently operates 24 stores across the UK. Following the opening of its Manchester store in 2019, the brand strengthened its regional presence with a second Manchester location at the Trafford Centre, the first city outside of London to have two locations.

UT collection featuring Manga graphics

Uniqlo also opened a 11,840 sq ft store at Birmingham’s Bullring in October 2025, and last month reopened its refurbished and greatly expanded Covent Garden store at 19-21 Long Acre, now making it 30% larger at 18,300 sq ft.

The new Cabot Circus store, located on the corner of Penn Street and Brigstowe Street in Bristol, spans two floors and is now showcasing the brands full Uniqlo LifeWear offering across womenswear, menswear and kidswear, as well as exclusive collaborations.

Artwork adorns the walls of the staircase

Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer of Uniqlo UK, said: “Opening our Bristol store today is a proud moment for Uniqlo as we continue to grow our presence across the UK.

“Bristol’s creativity, culture and strong sense of community make it a natural home for LifeWear. We are excited to finally welcome customers into the space and to become part of the city’s vibrant retail and cultural landscape.”

Immersive in-store experiences designed to connect customers with both the brand and the city form the backdrop of the new Bristol store. Located on the lower floor is a UTme! station, where customers will have the opportunity to create their own bespoke designs to customise and print onto T-shirts and tote bags.

The UTme! station where customers can create their own bespoke designs

As part of the exclusive to Bristol UTme! offering, Uniqlo will also showcase local partners Aardman, the multi-Academy Award and BAFTA- winning animation studio marking its 50th anniversary this year, as well as Melo – Upfest and Noods Radio, which have all created custom designs inspired by their local communities.

Susan Bolsover, Senior Licensing Manager at Aardman, commented: “It is a real pleasure to be partnering with the Uniqlo team so close to home.

“We wanted our collaboration to bring to life the spirit and creativity that not only Aardman and Uniqlo are known for, but for which the city of Bristol is revered around the world. This feels like a perfect way to celebrate our characters and the city Aardman is proud to call home.”

Re.Uniqlo where customers can recycle, repair or remake favourite Uniqlo items

Located next to the UTme! station is the ‘Re.Uniqlo’ Studio, where customers can recycle, repair or remake favourite Uniqlo items “so they can keep wearing and loving them for longer”. Customers will be able to personalise and add inspired embroidery pieces.

In February, Uniqlo named British tennis ace Emma Raducanu as a global ambassador, signalling a move away from Nike for the British women’s number one.

Raducanu, who has had a longstanding deal with Nike, wore Uniqlo on court for the first time at the Indian Wells Masters 1000 tournament in the US last month.

As well as wearing Uniqlo on court, Raducanu will promote the Japanese brand’s LifeWear apparel off the court and will work on programmes to help young people engage with sports and reach their full potential.