Japanese retailer UNIQLO will open a 22,000-square-foot store at 3262 M St. NW on Friday, Aug. 28, filling the former J.Crew space with a three-day grand opening packed with giveaways, Taiko drum performances and local collaborations.

The company currently operates three Maryland-area locations at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, Pike & Rose in North Bethesda and Downtown Silver Spring, as well as a store in D.C.'s Union Station.

The opening weekend, which runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 30, features traditional Japanese Taiko drum performances throughout each day and free cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake starting at 3 p.m. daily, according to the retailer's announcement. The first 300 customers in line each day will receive a complimentary knot bag filled with exclusive items, and Friday's first 300 buyers will also get breakfast vouchers. Shoppers who spend $99 or more during the weekend receive a free LifeWear Packable Bag while supplies last.

The store will carry Georgetown-exclusive customization designs created with Georgetown Cupcake and D.C. muralist Kelly Towles, director of the DC Walls Mural Festival. Visitors will also get early access to the new Ukiyo-E UT collection before its nationwide launch. Georgetown-only pricing on select items, including Smart Pants and SUPIMA Cotton T-Shirts, runs through Thursday, Sept. 3.

A RE.UNIQLO Studio inside the store will offer clothing repair services and custom embroidery, including Georgetown-themed designs.

The opening adds to a streak of retail arrivals along M Street. Georgetown's main retail corridor posted a vacancy rate just under 7.66% in a spring 2026 market report from Dochter & Alexander Retail Advisors, well below the District-wide average of 13.96%, The Georgetowner reported Aug. 17. The Washington Business Journal wrote that "the momentum just keeps building for Georgetown's retail scene." Bombas opened at 1400 Wisconsin Ave. NW on Aug. 14, and Kith has filed plans for 3040 M St. NW next to Barnes & Noble.

The Georgetown store is one of 11 new U.S. locations UNIQLO is opening in 2026 as part of a push toward 200 North American stores by 2027, according to Retail Dive. The company currently operates 76 U.S. stores. UNIQLO USA CEO Fuminori Adachi said the expansion is focused on "opening the right stores in the right places."

Doors open at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.