SINGAPORE : Japan's most popular casual wear brand UNIQLO will make its debut in the Singapore retail market by next year.

This is the result of a joint venture signed on Thursday between Wing Tai Retail, a unit of Wing Tai Holdings, and Fast Retailing.

Singapore will be UNIQLO's fourth base in Asia, following the brand's success in China, Hong Kong and South Korea.

The brand targets mainly the youth and mass markets, as well as the mid-priced and luxury segments.

Fast Retailing says it is looking to establish a UNIQLO store network in Singapore.

Wing Tai says the new venture is in line with its direction for successful retail brand expansion.

The new joint venture company is expected to be established in Singapore by August this year.

The first Singapore UNIQLO store is scheduled to open by the end of August 2009. - CNA /ls