Uniqlo Parent Expands Automated-Warehouse Network Into China

(Nikkei Asia) — Uniqlo operator Fast Retailing will bring an automated warehouse online in China by the end of August as part of a 100 billion yen ($865 million) global investment spree to better tap a growing e-commerce sector.

The new Shanghai-area facility will serve as a distribution hub for major coastal cities in China. Fast Retailing merged retail and online inventories in the country in 2019, meaning that online orders can now be shipped from or picked up at a physical store. The automated warehouse will help fulfill online orders even more quickly.