To further its foray into tech-savvy stores and consumer-facing systems, Uniqlo parent company Fast Retailing launched a new company as part of a joint venture with consulting and technology services firm Accenture Japan Ltd. The goal? To advance the consumer’s shopping experience.
Fast Retailing will head the Japan-based tech business, dubbed Wearex, which group officer and CIO Hajime Tamaoki will lead.
“Through Wearex, Fast Retailing plans to build its mobile and cloud technology capacity, to advance the digitization of its business and merge the in-store and virtual store experience for customers of its group brands. The initiative aims to allow them to access and purchase products anywhere, anytime to realize an all new shopping experience,” Fast Retailing said in a statement.
Wearex will also hire and nurture IT engineers to advance digital innovation for consumers. At launch, the company will have around 50 staff members focused on Japan at first but with an eye toward global expansion.