When Uniqlo decided to open its first specialty store ever, they turned to their long-time, trusted partner: Shawmut Design and Construction. Over the last four years, Shawmut has built over 20 locations for the Japanese retailer. But none of them are quite like this.

“We are really impressed with the way Uniqlo Faneuil Hall turned out. Your team has done an amazing job…thanks for bringing Uniqlo’s and our vision to life!” –Cheryl Usnick, Associate, Executive Architect MG2

The 12,400 square foot, multi-level store located in the historic Quincy Market building at Faneuil Hall embraces the rich history of the building (the Shawmut team uncovered nails dating back to 1826). Visitors will immediately notice preserved brick, granite, and plenty of Boston sports memorabilia, including framed Red Sox jerseys.

But in this store, tradition takes its place alongside the modern, fresh approach to fashion that has made Uniqlo one of the world’s most admired retailers. And there’s no better example of that approach than the store’s custom flying mannequin display, which can be seen as guests walk up the granite staircase. The eye-catching display (which you can view here) houses four mannequins that appear to be floating inside a glass cylinder between the first and second floors. The one-of-its-kind display, along with the staircase, which was fabricated off-site, required the Shawmut team to create additional support to hold the weight of the materials.

The Uniqlo Faneuil Hall specialty store is the first-ever retail store to be housed in Quincy Market, which is also home to local vendors. But by seamlessly blending the best of Kyoto, Japan with the best of Boston, it won’t be long before Uniqlo is embraced as one of Boston’s own.