WEC Class Notes

  Uniqlo to apply European 'select few' strategy worldwide Fast Retailing differentiates itself from fast-fashion sellers like H&M, Zara TOKYO -- Uniqlo is shifting its focus to larger stores around the world, as the affordable fashion retailer hopes to build on its success by opening flagship stores in Europe. The Japanese brand's owner, Fast Retailing, is expanding its European business. In April, it opened new flagship stores in Rome and Edinburgh in the U.K. It also added locations in London, Milan in Italy, and Nice in France this spring, bringing the total number of stores in Europe to 76 out of 2,469 worldwide. Uniqlo's business in Europe differs from that of its more established operations in Japan and China. In Europe, flagship stores in big cities account for half of store sales. With many well-known labels competing on the continent, Fast Retailing decided that having more flagship stores was the best way to communicate the brand concept by showcasing the...

  Embracing Ikigai for a Fulfilling Life Introduction Ikigai is a Japanese term that blends two words: “iki” meaning “to live,” and “gai” meaning “reason,” which translates to “a reason to live.” This concept encourages people to discover what truly matters to them and to live a life filled with purpose and joy. Originating in the Heian period, ikigai is particularly famous as a cultural practice in the Okinawa Islands of Japan. Today, it is becoming popular among both the elderly and the younger generation in Japan and worldwide. The Concept of Ikigai Ikigai can be found at the intersection of what you love (your passion), what you are good at (your vocation), what the world needs (your mission), and what you can be paid for (your profession). These overlapping circles lead to your passion, profession, mission, and vocation. To explore your ikigai, you can sketch the Ikigai diagram and label each circle, spending 5-10 minutes reflecting on and writing down the strongest ideas for ...