East Orlando is getting another splash of minimalist style. Uniqlo has locked in plans for a roughly 9,900-square-foot store at Waterford Lakes Town Center, adding a third Orlando-area location to its Central Florida lineup in 2026. The deal folds into a broader surge of national chains planting flags at the open-air center near the University of Central Florida.
Uniqlo’s lease at Waterford Lakes is part of its ongoing push across the region, with the retailer set to take about 9,900 square feet at the property as it builds out its Central Florida presence, according to the Orlando Business Journal. Reporter Ryan Lynch detailed the square footage and location in the outlet’s May coverage.
Where the New Store Will Sit
Waterford Lakes Town Center has already slotted Uniqlo into its official tenant roster, listing the brand alongside other national names at the outdoor mall. The center’s online directory shows Uniqlo among its retailers, confirming the new addition to the property’s lineup, per Waterford Lakes Town Center.
Uniqlo’s U.S. Expansion
UNIQLO has laid out an aggressive U.S. expansion plan for 2026, calling for new flagship stores and first-time entries into markets such as Miami and Austin. The company’s national roadmap highlights a deeper American footprint this year, with specific opening dates to be announced later, according to UNIQLO.
Why Waterford Lakes
Waterford Lakes is no sleepy strip mall. The center draws more than 13 million visits a year, making it one of the region’s busiest shopping hubs, according to Kimco’s acquisition materials. That kind of foot traffic, combined with a tenant mix heavy on national brands, helps explain why retailers keep circling the East Orlando complex, per Kimco Realty.
What Orlando Shoppers Will See
Uniqlo is not exactly a stranger in town. The brand already operates a full-line store at The Florida Mall and runs a special concept shop at Disney Springs, giving local shoppers a mix of formats to choose from. The Waterford Lakes outpost would add another full offering to that lineup and widen the company’s presence across the metro, with its current Orlando footprint reflected in mall listings and the Disney Springs store announcement, according to PR Newswire…