PARIS – Uniqlo has picked Novak Djokovic, the world’s No. 1 male tennis player, as its global brand ambassador, the chief executive of Fast Retailing Co. said.
The five-year partnership is designed to help promote the Uniqlo brand globally, mainly in Europe. It includes collaboration in product development and contributions to society.
The casual wear chain will provide Djokovic with clothing for his matches, starting with the French Open Tennis Championship that begins Sunday.
At a news conference in Paris, Tadashi Yanai, chairman, president and CEO of Fast Retailing Co., said Djokovic not only is an excellent tennis player but also has a strong desire to contribute to society.
Djokovic said it is a great honor to become an ambassador of Japan-based Uniqlo, commenting that he respects Japanese culture.
Yanai also said Uniqlo wants someday to have around 30 outlets each in major European cities.
Currently, the brand has 12 stores in Britain and two each in France and Russia.
This presence isn’t strong enough, Yanai said, adding that he hopes to open around 30 stores in the Paris area alone as soon as possible.
Uniqlo hopes to launch a similar number of outlets in Berlin, Barcelona and other major cities in Europe, Yanai said.
Referring to Uniqlo’s plan to open a store in San Francisco this autumn, its first outlet on the U.S. West Coast, the CEO said he believes there are business opportunities in the city, which plays the role of a bridge between Asia and the United States.
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