Rome store is second Uniqlo outlet in Italy.

Japanese retail giant Uniqlo will open a new flagship store at the Galleria Alberto Sordi shopping mall in the heart of Rome's historic centre on Thursday.

The 13,000-sqm shop will be spread out over three floors in the Largo Chigi corner of the landmark shopping centre on Via del Corso, where a sign reads "From Tokyo to Roma".

"On the morning of 18 April we will distribute cappuccino and cornetti to those who come to visit us" – Uniqlo announced – "there will also be gadgets and many other surprises."

The store will be Uniqlo's first in Rome and its second in Italy after it launched in Milan's Piazza Cardusio five years ago.

Later this month the company will open its third Italian store with an outlet in Piazza Gae Aulenti in the Porta Nuova district of Milan.

Owned by Fast Retailing Company, the Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer and retailer operates more than 3,700 stores globally.

Galleria Alberto Sordi, formerly known as Galleria Colonna until being renamed after the late Roman actor 20 years ago, recently underwent major renovation works.

Uniqlo is one of 15 new Italian and international stores opening in Galleria Alberto Sordi this spring, including Hamleys, Mango, Havaianas and Mondadori Bookstore.

Photo: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com