Uniqlo bets big in Southeast Asia

Fast Retailing Co's casual-clothing chain looks for growth outside Japan as parent's profits flag

Casual-clothing chain Uniqlo is taking its biggest chance in Southeast Asia.

The unit of Fast Retailing Co is opening a store on Singapore's iconic Orchard Road that will have 2,700 square meters of shopping space on three floors. The store will be Uniqlo's largest in the region as the brand looks for growth outside Japan to revive flagging profits at its parent.