Uniqlo controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2024
Round Mini Shoulder Bag litigation
Uniqlo sued Shein in Japan, alleging that Shein’s products copied the design of Uniqlo’s Round Mini Shoulder Bag.
2021
Xinjiang cotton import dispute
US authorities blocked a Uniqlo shirt shipment over concerns related to restrictions on cotton products associated with Xinjiang. Fast Retailing challenged the detention, but its protest was rejected.
2021
Uniqlo apologizes over UK online service problems
Company response
After customers reported delays in refunds and orders sent to incorrect addresses, Uniqlo apologized and attributed poor service to pandemic-related operational difficulties. The company said it had taken action to rectify order delays and was putting procedures in place to prevent a recurrence.
Company response
Apology — Uniqlo
Uniqlo has apologised and blamed the poor service on “operational difficulties” associated with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Remediation — Uniqlo
“Uniqlo has since begun putting procedures in place to ensure that this situation does not happen again in the future.
Source excerpt
“Uniqlo has since begun putting procedures in place to ensure that this situation does not happen again in the future.
Customers complain fashion retailer failed to provide refunds or delivered to wrong address
The fashion retailer Uniqlo has apologised after its online operation went into meltdown leaving frustrated customers waiting months for refunds for failed orders.
2019
South Korean advertising backlash
A Korean subtitle in a Uniqlo advertisement was criticized for appearing to minimize the historical trauma of comfort women, producing significant consumer and political backlash in South Korea.
2015
Supplier labor-rights allegations in China
Students and Scholars Against Corporate Misbehaviour reported alleged excessive hours, low pay, and other labor-rights violations at Chinese supplier factories. Subsequent reporting said remediation efforts had only partly addressed the problems.
2015
Beijing changing-room video controversy
A sexually explicit video filmed in a Beijing Uniqlo changing room became viral online. Chinese authorities arrested several people connected with the incident and its distribution, while the store became a focus of further public attention.
2011
Allegations concerning working conditions
A Japanese publication alleged that Uniqlo employees and Chinese factory workers were subjected to long hours and low pay. Fast Retailing pursued a defamation lawsuit that was unsuccessful.