Retail Refugees

I recently posted about the Uniqlo Human Vending Machine which has been making the rounds on the blogosphere lately.  This morning, however, I received an email from Uniqlo clarifying what the event is actually about.  They are launching a new product called “heat tech” which supposedly is “made from specially-designed hollow fiber thread, Heat Tech converts body moisture into heat, warming and insulating you without the bulk.  Already a wardrobe essential in Japan, Heat Tech is worn by an estimated one in every three Japanese.”

Now, Uniqlo is hosting an event as follows:

Let the layering begin.  New Yorkers can now stay warm yet fashionably cool through the winter months with Heat Tech, an innovative innerwear line from Uniqlo, a top Japanese designer of casual wear.   Uniqlo will introduce Heat Tech during an exclusive one-day gifting event in Times Square, when New Yorkers will have the opportunity to test their ‘cool’ and get free Heat Tech clothing from a giant human vending machine.

The promotion also includes a poll to identiry the coldest- yet stylish- quentiessential New York profession.  Personal dog walker? Manhattan Nanny? Chic Hotel doorman? You can vote at www.voteheattech.com and the winner will be announced November 18.