Uniqlo's sister brand GU was unable to put out a particular jeans style as scheduled. The pants are so popular that GU was unable to cope with the demand. An apology ensued
GU's popular-even-before-launch barrel-leg jeans
You'd think that we own all the imaginable jeans shapes by now, but in Japan, one silhouette that did not appear on time triggered annoyance among shoppers to the extent that the manufacturer-cum-retailer had to issue an apology. GU, Uniqlo's sister brand that is loved for its very affordable prices, has apologised for the "postponed" launch of their "Barrel Leg Jeans" from the autumn/winter 2024 season. Apparently, pre-orders were already accepted on their online store, but "due to sales that far exceeded expectations", GU is now unable to put out the jeans, as scheduled. Originally slated to be available in early July, the company now says that the jeans will be available in early September. The denim trousers is still listed on the Japanese website, as well as the Hong Kong/Taiwan page.
It is not known why mass manufacturer GU is unable to avail the jeans, tagged ¥2,990 (or about S$25—their prices are typically 50 percent lower than Uniqlo), early this month. According to local news reports, GU had positioned the jeans to be the "top pick" for the upcoming season. Cut roomy through the leg and shaped with darts at the knee (front for women and at the rear for men), but would not be as capacious as wide-legged jeans, this latest offering is supposed to be flattering for all wearers, men and women. The brand says that they "have separated them into men's and women's items, but hope that they can be worn as unisex style, depending on preference." How that can speed up production is not clear.
Early this year, GU announced that they will be opening additional freestanding stores outside Japan, including South Korea, Thailand, and our Little Red Dot. It is not known when the first Singapore store will be launched. And retail observers are reluctant to guess (Uniqlo stores continue to open across the island; the latest at the newly-unveiled Pasir Ris Mall). It can be expected that the response to our own GU store would be overwhelming as cheap is a big lure here. But if even the well-oiled GU runs into hiccups with the their production, would they be able to deliver their popular items here in the future, especially the on-trend ones, on time?
Photo: GU
No comments:
Post a Comment