UNIQLO Co., Ltd has begun installing Uniqlo To Go vending machines, which enable you to purchase the company’s typical functional wear, in airports and shopping centres across North America.

Following the first installation on 2 August at Oakland International Airport, others will be set up in the Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles, Houston Airport (IAH) and Queens Center in New York, following a plan to put a total of 10 vending machines in place from August to September. The installation has no set timescale, and will continue as long as there is demand.

The machines’ initial products will be Ultra Light Down jackets ($69.90) for both menswear and womenswear, and HeatTech tops ($14.90), but will subsequently change according to the season and customer needs. This strategy is unique to America, and UNIQLO has no intention of expanding it into other countries, including Japan. (Yoshiko Sugimoto)