Uniqlo once again proofs its innovative character. A while back we were impressed with the opening of their first UT store, selling t-shirts out of vending machines. Today we present you another great addition to Uniqlo stores – Wakamaru.
It is the first robot ever to be featured in a retail store environment, will be joining the UNIQLO team the second week in September. Designed by Toshiyuki Kita and developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), wakamaru is neither human or machine; it is the first creation of its kind.  wakamaru’s capabilities include eye contact, basic conversation, ability to recognize people and greet them, voice recognition, and basic arm movements. wakamaru will hold a unique role in the UNIQLO store.  It will lead staff in motivational morning exercises, communicate promotions to customers, as well as greet customers upon entrance into the store.
In about a weeks time you will be able to meet wakamaru in the Uniqlo Soho store.

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Post tags: highsnobiety, mhi, robot, soho, uniqlo, wakamaru

Nike is definitely serious with the recent addition of the Nike Sportswear collection. On the 8th of August, the day of the Beijing Olympics Opening, they will be opening a Nike Sportswear flagship store in New York City. It will be a dedicated, stand-along Nike Sportswear store and it seems like it is not a pop-up but a permanent store in Soho. There will be a series of pop-up stores, such as the ones at Opening Ceremy LA and NY , but this will be the only permanent store.
Nike Sportswear Flagship Store NYC
21, Mercer Street
New York, NY 10013

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Post tags: flagship store, highsnobiety, mercer, nike sportswear, nyc, shop, soho

Just recently we showed you the interview by Heron Preston (watch them here and here) with A-Ron (former aNYthing), in which he introduced his new company, Off Bowery Productions, and hints at some upcoming ventures. We came across an interesting article in the New York Times now, giving us some more information on what exactly A-Ron has got waiting for you!
“Residents of a sleepy SoHo block aren’t sure what to make of the Wreck Center, a store/performance space/art installation that has invaded their neighborhood like a post-apocalyptic circus. Decorated with graffiti, gold paint and 5,800 feet of Day-Glo masking tape, the space, designed by Rafael de Cárdenas, pops, to say the least. “Finally one came up to me,” said Aaron Bondaroff (above), the project’s ringleader, “and told me it was about time someone did something cool in the neighborhood again.” Until the end of February, when the building that houses the Wreck Center is torn down, Mr. Bondaroff, the downtown impresario better known as A-Ron, has planned a series of invite-only book signings, launch parties, art and music shows, even a little stand-up comedy; a storefront will sell the wares of all involved. “And as soon as everyone catches on,” he said, “it’ll be over.” That is, until May, when the Playboy channel broadcasts a documentary on the whole affair.”
It certainly sounds like an interesting venture and hopefully we’ll manage to visit the space before it closes again!

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Post tags: a-ron, book signings, off bowery productions, soho, store, the downtown don, the wretch