Uniqlo at Ala Moana Center is launching a new custom printing service for T-shirts and tote bags in conjunction with Hawaii-based businesses and nonprofits.
The technology, called "UTme!," launches on Black Friday, Nov. 26. In addition to designs from local artists, customers can submit their own creation for printing at the store.
Local entities with designs available on shirts and bags include Bishop Museum, The Friends of Iolani Palace, Tanioka's Seafoods and Catering, Honolulu Coffee Co. and Waiahole Poi Factory. Graphic designs by Jasper Wong and Punky Aloha are also featured.
Using an iPad at the store, people select the design or designs they want, and can resize them and place them within a set area of the shirt or bag. Pricing ranges from $19.90 for a keiki shirt to $29.90 for a tote bag. Along with sharing an unspecified portion of the proceeds with partnered organizations, Uniqlo is donating some of the UTme! sales to the Hawaii Foodbank.
“We’re truly grateful for the community’s support over the years and especially during the pandemic. It was only fitting that we help to give back," said Haruka Karino, business manager of Uniqlo Hawaii, in a statement. “UTme! is about fun and expressing your creativity. Customers can feel good that their designs will help to fight hunger."
"Supporting local and giving back to the community is always important. I'm happy to be joining Uniqlo to help raise funds for those who depend on the Hawaii Foodbank," Wong said.
The signature draw of UTme! could be the custom printing, allowing customers to display their handiwork on their clothing — provided it follows the guidelines like not being vulgar or infringing upon the rights of a third party.
A design can be emailed in to UTme_us0031@fastretailing.com the same day of printing, a Uniqlo spokesperson told Pacific Business News, and once it is approved, the printing process itself takes about 10 minutes.
Japan-based Uniqlo debuted UTme! in 2014 in Tokyo in response to customers' desire to create their own original designs.
"In recent years, UTme! has evolved into collaborations with businesses, causes and people around the world," a Uniqlo spokesperson told PBN in an email. "The Uniqlo Hawaii team decided to add the service after customer requests for more local content in stores."
Behind Karino, Uniqlo is attempting to build off initiatives to partner with local brands amid the pandemic.
“The Friends of Iolani Palace welcomes this collaboration with Uniqlo Hawaii,” said Paula Akana, executive director of The Friends of Iolani Palace, in a statement. “We look forward to sharing with the world the beauty of Iolani Palace and the Coronation Pavilion as captured through the eyes of artist Candice Soon."
