
TOKYO -- Japanese retailers Seven & i Holdings and Fast Retailing are making plans for a wide-ranging partnership covering everything from product planning and production to sales and distribution.
The convenience store giant and the operator of the Uniqlo casualwear chain will create a new brand for apparel as early as this year, tapping Fast Retailing's expertise as a clothing designer, manufacturer and retailer. Seven & i has been pursuing an omnichannel strategy integrating e-commerce and brick-and-mortar stores. It aims to cultivate a unique brand that will become a major customer draw.