Global apparel retailer UNIQLO has confirmed the opening date for its first store in Winnipeg, marking a significant milestone in its Canadian growth strategy. The company will open its debut Manitoba location at CF Polo Park at 10:00 am on May 15, 2026, with a second store planned for the city later in the year as part of a broader UNIQLO Winnipeg expansion.
The CF Polo Park location will span more than 18,000 square feet and offer the brand’s full LifeWear assortment for men, women, and children. The opening represents UNIQLO’s first entry into Manitoba after nearly a decade of steady expansion across Canada.
To mark the launch, UNIQLO has organized a series of opening weekend events designed to engage the local community. Festivities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a taiko drumming performance by Hinode Taiko, and complimentary food and beverages from Winnipeg-based businesses.
The first 500 customers will receive a commemorative tote bag, while early visitors will also be offered cookies from Gunn’s Bakery and coffee from Little Sister Coffee Maker. Additional programming includes a Japanese-style Garapon prize wheel, offering a range of giveaways such as local products and branded merchandise.
UNIQLO has also partnered with local businesses and artists to create a Winnipeg-inspired collection of T-shirts and totes, reinforcing its strategy of embedding stores within local cultural contexts.
Second Winnipeg Store Planned for 2026
In addition to the CF Polo Park store, UNIQLO has confirmed plans for a second Winnipeg location at St. Vital Centre, expected to open later in 2026. The store will occupy a large-format space previously held by a department store, reflecting a broader trend of international retailers backfilling vacancies left by legacy anchors.
This dual-store approach signals a deliberate strategy to establish immediate market presence in Winnipeg, rather than testing the market with a single location. The UNIQLO Winnipeg expansion is also expected to include local hiring initiatives, supporting store operations and customer experience delivery.
Jeff Berkowitz of Aurora Realty Consultants represents UNIQLO as broker in Canada, and negotiated the lease deals on behalf of the retailer.
A Decade of Canadian Growth
UNIQLO entered Canada in 2016 with flagship stores at CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Since then, the retailer has expanded across major urban markets including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal, followed by secondary cities such as Ottawa, Quebec City, and Victoria.
The brand has focused on measured growth, leveraging large-format retail spaces and tailoring its product offering to Canadian climate conditions. Its emphasis on technical apparel, including HEATTECH and AIRism, has resonated with consumers across diverse seasonal environments.
As of 2026, UNIQLO operates more than 35 stores in Canada, supported by a growing e-commerce platform that has helped build demand in regions prior to physical store entry.
Strategy Reflects National Retail Positioning
The move into Manitoba effectively bridges UNIQLO’s eastern and western Canadian operations, reinforcing its position as a truly national retailer. The company’s ability to secure prominent retail spaces and align with evolving shopping centre strategies has been a key driver of its success.
Globally, UNIQLO operates more than 2,500 stores and is part of Fast Retailing, one of the world’s largest apparel companies. The brand continues to focus on large-scale store openings in key markets, supported by an integrated online and offline retail model.
