2020年高考英语外刊时事命题七选五：优衣库在全球连锁中独占鳌头Uniqlo - Uniquely positioned

Uniqlo - Uniquely positioned 优衣库在全球连锁中独占鳌头 Basics — everyday items like T-shirts, socks and jeans — are not normally considered the most exciting part of the business. But they are found in almost every wardrobe. Uniqlo, a successful Japanese firm with big ambitions, has transformed them into a goldmine. 1 The company is often cited as an example of a new, globally competitive Japan. Its founder and boss, Tadashi Yanai, emerged from humble origins to become one of Japan’s richest men. According to Interbrand, a consultancy group, Uniqlo now ranks among Japan’s ten most valuable brands. Uniqlo’s parent company, Fast Retailing, is Japan’s biggest clothing company. 2 Last year alone, sales of the company grew by 21.6 percent, despite the economic downturn, because of its clothes combining a touch of style with temptingly low prices. 3 Zara and H&M bring the latest fashions to the masses quickly, ordering new lines many times a year. Fast Retailing, by contras