&w=3840&q=100)
UNIQLO expands to Southern India with Bengaluru launch in August
'We are thrilled to finally announce UNIQLO's entry into Southern India with our first store in Bengaluru,' said Kenji Inoue, chief financial officer and chief operating officer, UNIQLO India.
Bengaluru marks the next significant milestone in the company's India business expansion, he said, adding that over the past few years, the brand has seen strong demand and brand affinity from the Tech City through its e-commerce platform.
Located on the ground floor of Orion Mall, Brigade Gateway, the new UNIQLO store will span 9,012 square feet and mark the brand's sixteenth outlet in India. The store will offer a wide range of LifeWear for men, women, kids and babies — thoughtfully designed, high-quality clothing made for everyone.
Featuring innovative product lines such as HEATTECH, AIRism and PUFFTECH, UNIQLO aims to meet the demands of modern urban lifestyles with comfort, versatility and functionality for every season and occasion.
UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo. UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group, the others being GU, Theory, PLST, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, J Brand and Helmut Lang.
Currently, the company operates more than 2,500 UNIQLO stores across Japan, Asia, Europe and North America. The total number of stores across Fast Retailing's brands now exceeds 3,600.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
9 hours ago
- Economic Times
Lyft ditches humans! Self-driving shuttles to battle Uber & Waymo by 2026
Synopsis Lyft robotaxi launch 2026 marks a bold move by the ride-sharing giant as it partners with Holon to bring self-driving electric shuttles to U.S. cities. These futuristic vehicles, powered by Mobileye's Level 4 autonomy, are set to hit roads in late 2026—beginning in Dallas and Atlanta. Lyft's shift from a human-only model to full autonomy signals growing competition with Uber, Waymo, and Tesla in the robotaxi race. With sleek design, zero emissions, and smart partnerships, Lyft aims to change the future of urban travel, making it smarter, safer, and more sustainable for riders across the country. Lyft is officially diving into the robotaxi race, leaving behind its 'human-only' ride model and stepping into the world of fully autonomous vehicles. In a bold move, the company has announced it will launch self-driving electric shuttles by 2026, taking direct aim at rivals like Uber, Waymo, and Tesla. Partnering with Holon and powered by Mobileye's advanced autonomy tech, Lyft plans to reshape the future of urban travel — safer, smarter, and completely driverless. Lyft is officially stepping into the fast-growing robotaxi race, unveiling plans to launch fully autonomous electric shuttles in late 2026. This marks a major shift from its previous 'human-only' ride strategy. Teaming up with Holon, a cutting-edge mobility company spun out of Benteler Group, Lyft aims to challenge big players like Uber with Waymo, Tesla, and Cruise in the future of self-driving transportation. Lyft's 2026 rollout will see electric, driverless Holon Urban shuttles hit select U.S. streets. These futuristic vehicles will be fully integrated into the Lyft app, giving riders the choice to ride in an autonomous vehicle for short urban trips — especially in airports, downtown corridors, and transit hubs. With the support of Mobileye's Level 4 autonomy technology and Japanese partner Marubeni, Lyft is betting big on a driverless future. After years of distancing itself from autonomous vehicle development, Lyft is now re-entering the space with a smart, low-risk strategy. Instead of building its own driverless cars, Lyft is collaborating with partners like Holon, Mobileye, and Marubeni SmartFleet. Their joint plan? To roll out Level 4 electric autonomous shuttles that can operate without a human driver in controlled environments. Holon's self-driving shuttle — designed by Italian auto legend Pininfarina — will carry up to 15 passengers, reach speeds of up to 37 mph, and operate on fixed routes in cities. These all-electric vehicles will prioritize accessibility, low emissions, and urban efficiency — fitting Lyft's vision of safer, cleaner mobility. This pivot is a major reversal for Lyft. Back in 2021, it sold its in-house autonomous vehicle division to Toyota's Woven Planet and publicly committed to focusing on human drivers. But as competition heats up in the robotaxi space, Lyft is changing gears. By partnering with autonomous leaders and outsourcing vehicle development and fleet management, Lyft is adopting an 'asset-light' strategy — letting it scale faster while avoiding the high costs of owning or building AV fleets. The new shuttles will be operated by fleet partners like Marubeni, while Lyft handles the app, routing, and rider experience. Lyft's move comes as Uber rapidly expands its robotaxi network through Waymo, now available in cities like Phoenix, Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami. Riders can book driverless rides directly through the Uber app in some cities — a major milestone in robotaxi adoption. Waymo, owned by Alphabet (Google's parent company), is considered the current industry leader, running over 250,000 rides weekly and scaling fast. Meanwhile, Tesla is pushing its own robotaxi service in Austin, using its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, with plans to launch dedicated robotaxi vehicles in 2026. The Holon Urban Shuttle, which Lyft plans to deploy, is designed with both tech and style in mind. With zero emissions, spacious interiors, and AI-powered sensors, it promises a smooth, safe, and comfortable ride for passengers. Its Level 4 autonomy allows it to operate entirely without human intervention in geofenced areas. These shuttles will initially serve airports and busy urban hubs where traffic flow is predictable — ideal for early robotaxi deployment. With safety top-of-mind, the shuttles are built using Mobileye's advanced autonomous driving system, which includes a 360-degree vision system, AI decision-making, and constant monitoring. Lyft's robotaxi rollout is expected to begin with Atlanta as the first test city in mid-2025, followed by Dallas and other major metros in 2026. In Atlanta, Lyft is already testing autonomous vehicles from May Mobility, and the company has launched a 'Driver Autonomous Forum' to involve human drivers in its transition plans. In Dallas, Lyft plans to deploy the Holon shuttles in partnership with Marubeni, serving areas like airports, corporate campuses, and entertainment districts. These deployments will help Lyft test public acceptance, fine-tune its services, and gradually expand. While Waymo is leading the robotaxi race, it hasn't been without issues. The company has faced public pushback, with San Francisco residents protesting the presence of self-driving cars by placing cones on their hoods. Some vehicles have been reported to stall or block traffic in unusual scenarios, raising questions about readiness. Still, Waymo continues to expand and improve, with its latest fleet using fifth-generation Jaguar I-PACE vehicles and mapping new cities like Tokyo, San Antonio, and Washington D.C. Tesla is expected to reveal its dedicated robotaxi vehicle later in 2026, but so far, its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software still requires a safety driver in most jurisdictions. While CEO Elon Musk claims Tesla's AI will eventually power fully autonomous driving, regulators remain cautious, especially after several high-profile crashes. Still, Tesla's plan to operate a network of FSD-powered robotaxis remains central to its future — and could disrupt the rideshare industry if it gains regulatory approval. Lyft's entry into the robotaxi market is both strategic and timely. By teaming up with global partners like Holon, Mobileye, and Marubeni, Lyft avoids the massive investment risks that Uber, Tesla, and Waymo face — while still competing for market share in autonomous mobility. As public awareness and trust in self-driving technology grows, Lyft could emerge as a flexible, app-based platform for multiple autonomous providers. Its 2026 launch of Holon electric shuttles is a critical step in that direction — and signals a major new chapter in the robotaxi race. Q1. When will Lyft launch its robotaxi service in the U.S.? Lyft's robotaxi launch with Holon is set for late 2026. Q2. What is Holon and how is it part of Lyft's robotaxi plan? Holon is Lyft's shuttle partner providing self-driving electric vehicles for the 2026 rollout.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Lyft ditches humans! Self-driving shuttles to battle Uber & Waymo by 2026
Lyft is officially stepping into the fast-growing robotaxi race, unveiling plans to launch fully autonomous electric shuttles in late 2026. This marks a major shift from its previous 'human-only' ride strategy. Teaming up with Holon, a cutting-edge mobility company spun out of Benteler Group, Lyft aims to challenge big players like Uber with Waymo, Tesla, and Cruise in the future of self-driving transportation. Lyft's 2026 rollout will see electric, driverless Holon Urban shuttles hit select U.S. streets. These futuristic vehicles will be fully integrated into the Lyft app, giving riders the choice to ride in an autonomous vehicle for short urban trips — especially in airports, downtown corridors, and transit hubs. With the support of Mobileye's Level 4 autonomy technology and Japanese partner Marubeni, Lyft is betting big on a driverless future. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category CXO Finance Management Data Science Artificial Intelligence Project Management Degree Public Policy Leadership Data Analytics Technology Design Thinking Product Management Data Science Others Operations Management MCA MBA PGDM Healthcare Cybersecurity healthcare Digital Marketing others Skills you'll gain: Digital Strategy Development Expertise Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends Data-driven Decision Making Leadership in the Digital Age Duration: 40 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Digital Officer Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Technology Strategy & Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Leadership in Technology Management Cybersecurity & Risk Management Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Technology Officer Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Operations Strategy for Business Excellence Organizational Transformation Corporate Communication & Crisis Management Capstone Project Presentation Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow Chief Operations Officer Programme Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Starts on Apr 7, 2024 Get Details Lyft's Robotaxi launch set for 2026 through Holon partnership After years of distancing itself from autonomous vehicle development, Lyft is now re-entering the space with a smart, low-risk strategy. Instead of building its own driverless cars, Lyft is collaborating with partners like Holon, Mobileye, and Marubeni SmartFleet. Their joint plan? To roll out Level 4 electric autonomous shuttles that can operate without a human driver in controlled environments. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like IQ Worldwide - Test your Intelligence, know your IQ Score Try Now Undo Holon's self-driving shuttle — designed by Italian auto legend Pininfarina — will carry up to 15 passengers, reach speeds of up to 37 mph, and operate on fixed routes in cities. These all-electric vehicles will prioritize accessibility, low emissions, and urban efficiency — fitting Lyft's vision of safer, cleaner mobility. Lyft shifts from 'human-only' to embracing full autonomy This pivot is a major reversal for Lyft. Back in 2021, it sold its in-house autonomous vehicle division to Toyota's Woven Planet and publicly committed to focusing on human drivers. But as competition heats up in the robotaxi space, Lyft is changing gears. Live Events By partnering with autonomous leaders and outsourcing vehicle development and fleet management, Lyft is adopting an 'asset-light' strategy — letting it scale faster while avoiding the high costs of owning or building AV fleets. The new shuttles will be operated by fleet partners like Marubeni, while Lyft handles the app, routing, and rider experience. Uber and Waymo's expansion sparks robotaxi showdown Lyft's move comes as Uber rapidly expands its robotaxi network through Waymo, now available in cities like Phoenix, Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami. Riders can book driverless rides directly through the Uber app in some cities — a major milestone in robotaxi adoption. Waymo, owned by Alphabet (Google's parent company), is considered the current industry leader, running over 250,000 rides weekly and scaling fast. Meanwhile, Tesla is pushing its own robotaxi service in Austin, using its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, with plans to launch dedicated robotaxi vehicles in 2026. Holon Urban shuttles bring sleek design and safety to cities The Holon Urban Shuttle, which Lyft plans to deploy, is designed with both tech and style in mind. With zero emissions, spacious interiors, and AI-powered sensors, it promises a smooth, safe, and comfortable ride for passengers. Its Level 4 autonomy allows it to operate entirely without human intervention in geofenced areas. These shuttles will initially serve airports and busy urban hubs where traffic flow is predictable — ideal for early robotaxi deployment. With safety top-of-mind, the shuttles are built using Mobileye's advanced autonomous driving system, which includes a 360-degree vision system, AI decision-making, and constant monitoring. Atlanta and Dallas expected to be first cities in Lyft's rollout Lyft's robotaxi rollout is expected to begin with Atlanta as the first test city in mid-2025, followed by Dallas and other major metros in 2026. In Atlanta, Lyft is already testing autonomous vehicles from May Mobility, and the company has launched a 'Driver Autonomous Forum' to involve human drivers in its transition plans. In Dallas, Lyft plans to deploy the Holon shuttles in partnership with Marubeni, serving areas like airports, corporate campuses, and entertainment districts. These deployments will help Lyft test public acceptance, fine-tune its services, and gradually expand. Waymo faces challenges as competition heats up While Waymo is leading the robotaxi race, it hasn't been without issues. The company has faced public pushback, with San Francisco residents protesting the presence of self-driving cars by placing cones on their hoods. Some vehicles have been reported to stall or block traffic in unusual scenarios, raising questions about readiness. Still, Waymo continues to expand and improve, with its latest fleet using fifth-generation Jaguar I-PACE vehicles and mapping new cities like Tokyo, San Antonio, and Washington D.C. Tesla's bold Robotaxi plans still face regulatory hurdles Tesla is expected to reveal its dedicated robotaxi vehicle later in 2026, but so far, its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software still requires a safety driver in most jurisdictions. While CEO Elon Musk claims Tesla's AI will eventually power fully autonomous driving, regulators remain cautious, especially after several high-profile crashes. Still, Tesla's plan to operate a network of FSD-powered robotaxis remains central to its future — and could disrupt the rideshare industry if it gains regulatory approval. The bottom line: Lyft's robotaxi strategy is smart, scalable, and on time Lyft's entry into the robotaxi market is both strategic and timely. By teaming up with global partners like Holon, Mobileye, and Marubeni, Lyft avoids the massive investment risks that Uber, Tesla, and Waymo face — while still competing for market share in autonomous mobility. As public awareness and trust in self-driving technology grows, Lyft could emerge as a flexible, app-based platform for multiple autonomous providers. Its 2026 launch of Holon elec tric shuttles is a critical step in that direction — and signals a major new chapter in the robotaxi race. FAQs: Q1. When will Lyft launch its robotaxi service in the U.S.? Lyft's robotaxi launch with Holon is set for late 2026. Q2. What is Holon and how is it part of Lyft's robotaxi plan? Holon is Lyft's shuttle partner providing self-driving electric vehicles for the 2026 rollout.
Hindustan Times
15 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Abracadabra: The Victoria and Albert museum has opened its vaults
It's a bit like a department store, except it is about the size of 30 basketball courts. The V&A East Storehouse is spread across three floors. (Photo by Hufton + Crow) And instead of groceries, there are slices of history on the shelves: a 16th-century Japanese suit of armour; 600-year-old ceramics; wedding dresses from the 1930s. This is the newly opened V&A East Storehouse. In an effort more than 10 years in the making, an old warehouse has been redesigned by the renowned American studio Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The Storehouse is now an array of vast, airy galleries, spread across three storeys, each level arranged around a striking 20-metre-high central atrium. All the 250,000-plus artefacts stored here are visible to visitors, placed either within transparent wrapping or behind thin glass, often in partially dismantled crates, all lined up on long metal shelves. The V&A wanted to reimagine what a museum could be, and give viewers a 'backstage pass' to what really goes on inside one, Tim Reeve, deputy director and chief operating officer at the Victoria and Albert Museum, has said. Many of the artefacts are so massive, they haven't been exhibited in decades. These include: An exquisite 15th-century carved and gilded wooden ceiling from the now-lost Torrijos Palace near Toledo in Spain. A 1930s all-wood Kaufmann Office, designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright for Edgar J Kaufmann, a Pittsburgh-based department-store owner. A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Austrian architect Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century. The 15th-century carved and gilded wooden ceiling from the lost Torrijos Palace in Spain. (Photo by David Parry / PA Media) Curated mini-exhibits sprinkled across the space, meanwhile, currently include swatches of fabric from across Africa, sculptural shoes by Zaha Hadid, a Piaggio scooter customised by Daniel Libeskind, and Jain sculptures in sandstone. These exhibits will change from time to time. There's more. As part of V&A's Order an Object initiative, visitors can go online to pick from a list of artefacts, book a (free) appointment, and then turn up at the appointed time to have the object/s unpacked so they can look at them, touch them (in many cases), and learn more about them from museum staff. Even without such an appointment, the space offers plenty of inside access. In one of the galleries, for instance, visitors can watch the regular goings-on of such a repository, as technicians pack away newly acquired works, conservators unbox items to check on them and others work to restore artefacts. Shelf life What does it do to the artefact-viewer relationship, when an institution reinvents itself in this manner? Museums are working to cater to new generations that have instant, digital access to diverse information, says Anupam Sah, director of the Anupam Heritage Lab and former head of art conservation, research and training at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj museum (CSMVS). An Order an Object appointment underway at V&A East Storehouse. (Photo by Bet Bettencourt) The result has been a host of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiments; 3D reconstructions; interfaces inspired by videogames; even exhibits on youth icons such as Taylor Swift (the V&A and Museum of Arts and Design in New York have each had one). The Storehouse is a particularly interesting approach because it meets the need for a dramatically new interface while staying true to the primary functions of a museum — the collection and care of artefacts, and outreach and education, Sah says. It serves the purpose of generating curiosity and a sense of a niche experience, because these are objects that have rarely been displayed. The space is made less intimidating by its casual, Ikea-like design. And the idea that one can book an appointment and have someone unbox and explain an artefact places the visitor at par with a researcher, connoisseur or patron, completely reinventing this relationship. To meet these goals so seamlessly, using only existing holdings, is quite a feat, Sah says. A view of conservators at work at V&A East Storehouse. (Photo by David Parry / PA Media) Revised roadMAP The idea of visible storage can be traced, incidentally, to the Canadian anthropologist Audrey Hawthorn and his work at the Museum of Anthropology at University of British Columbia, in the 1970s. Back then, the aim was to democratise access to national treasures. Now, it is to draw the public in and highlight the continued relevance of the museum as an institution. Along these lines, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington and Louvre-Lens in Lens, France, have all opened up parts of their storage to the public. A similar effort is unfolding in India, at the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru. Two of its storage floors are open to visitors. One houses more than 340 objects ranging from textiles and horse jewellery to cigarette cards, while the other has more than 250 metal sculptures. The periodic exhibitions held at the museum innovate with an eye on high levels of engagement too, says Arnika Ahldag, director of curation and exhibition at MAP. An ongoing exhibition on the Modernist Ram Kumar, for instance, includes the simple addition of a wooden desk. Here, visitors can flip through books about the artist, place handwritten letters by him on a lightbox in order to view them more clearly, and even write a letter to themselves or leave one behind for the next visitor. 'We always try to locate an immediate point of resonance with the visitor, so that the works feel accessible without compromising their complexity,' says Ahldag. The beauty of this is that, once you move away from the idea of objects in a glass case, the room for innovation is immense. 'And that's a good thing,' Ahldag adds. 'We need different kinds of museums for different kinds of audiences.' (Entry to both V&A East Storehouse and the MAP museum is free)
