The company said it plans to make the masks available in foreign markets.
TOKYO:
Japanese buyers lined up at Uniqlo stores and crushed its website on Friday as the clothing chain began selling masks with breathable fabric used in the brand’s popular underwear, preparing for the epidemic of coronavirus during the summer.
Scenes of people standing in the rain waiting for stores to open were seen all over Japan and posted on Twitter, while Uniqlo’s online store apologized for crashing and then selling Airism washable masks.
The company said other products will become available as it increases production. The masks are sold in three-piece packs for 990 yen ($ 9.26) plus tax, and are available in three sizes.
The prospect of a protracted crisis has encouraged Japanese consumers to buy and manufacture reusable and washable versions, although disposable masks, initially in short supply, have become more readily available.
# ユ ニ ク ロ# マ ス ク
ち ゃ ん と 歩 く と 馬鹿 を み る pic.twitter.com/XUbMbYWo0T– カ ニ ち ゃ ん (@scooter_daylife) June 19, 2020
Face masks are not mandatory in Japan, but are generally worn in public, especially in stores and on public transport. They were common even before the global pandemic during the flu and pollen season.
The company said it plans to make the masks available in foreign markets.
On Friday, shares of Fast Retailing, owner of Uniqlo, were up about 1.9%.
(With the exception of the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
