‘HUMAN TOUCHPOINT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR US’ - Tomohiko Sei CEO, Uniqlo India

In 2018, Uniqlo sent Tomohiko Sei to India to spearhead its entry into the country that Retailing Co. ranks as the biggest future market for the Japanese brand. Prior to his India assignment, Sei was the chief operating officer for Fast Retailing in Singapore. Sei spoke to Rasul Bailay, group managing editor of IMAGES Group about Uniqlo's journey so far - its rollercoaster ride due to Covid-19 and about India as a potential market for Asia's largest fashion brand. Edited excerpts:

Uniqlo had a rollercoaster ride in India with Covid and the subsequent recovery. How did things pan out in your three years journey here?

So, at first, there were so many challenges in the first three years but the outcome for us has been positive. We were able to finally make a profit. Even though half year is still left to cover but we made it. Then, businesswise, yes the pandemic did damage business plans for many businesses. Not ongoing but on a paradigm, we were able to focus more on the existing business - stores, members and production. And hence, we are now stronger in terms of our business.

We saw a significant number of consumers shifting online in the pandemic.

I believe shifting is not alone but it's also the growth together. It depends on each company's strategy - each brand's character. But in our case, our concept is Life Wear. Which focuses on daily essentials. It is not like short term wear or short-term fashion. So that's why we need to present the real value of our product to the customers. So that touchpoint is important through retail stores. So for us, both retail and e-commerce remain our priority.

So you have worked in Uniqlo for two decades in various markets. Did India surprise you? Every day! (laughs)