Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship (JMC) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with UNIQLO USA LLC., marking the first partnership between the global clothing retailer and a U.S. university. The agreement was signed at the Jim Moran Building in Tallahassee on October 1, with representatives from both organizations present, including members from UNIQLO’s headquarters in Japan.
Susan Fiorito, dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, commented on the new partnership: “We’re honored to be the first U.S. university to partner with UNIQLO. Together, we are building a bridge between global innovation and entrepreneurial education, giving our students a front-row seat to the practices shaping the future of retail worldwide.”
The collaboration gives students in FSU’s Retail Entrepreneurship Program access to UNIQLO’s Management Candidate Program (UMC). This initiative is designed to prepare students for various roles in retail, such as business leaders and innovators, by providing hands-on experience that can help launch their careers.
UNIQLO is recognized for its LifeWear philosophy—offering high-quality and versatile clothing intended for all ages. The company also operates RE.UNIQLO, a program that collects secondhand clothing at all stores for reuse or recycling into new products.
Fuminori Adachi, CEO of UNIQLO USA, said: “UNIQLO is proud to partner with Florida State University to provide students with the opportunity to gain firsthand experience and develop skills to become the next generation of leaders in this industry.”
FSU’s Retail Entrepreneurship Program prepares students for executive training programs and entry-level positions in areas like merchandising and product development across diverse retail businesses. The curriculum is designed to address changes within the industry so graduates are equipped for careers in corporate operations or store management.
The Jim Moran College serves as an entrepreneurship hub within FSU and works closely with local businesses and international partners through initiatives such as the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship.
UNIQLO is part of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., which reported global sales equivalent to $21.42 billion USD for its 2024 fiscal year ending August 31. Fast Retailing operates more than 3,600 stores globally under several brands including GU, Theory, PLST, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, J Brand and Helmut Lang. As of now, there are over 2,500 UNIQLO stores worldwide.
For more information about JMC visit https://jimmorancollege.fsu.edu/. Details about UNIQLO can be found at https://www.uniqlo.com/ and https://www.fastretailing.com/.
