More than 100 people were waiting as a Japanese fashion chain that has been compared to Apple opened this morning.

Taiko drummers performed outside as the Uniqlo store opened at 9am.

The chain - which recycles plastic bottles into T-shirts and uses technology to create clothes that convert moisture to heat - has moved into two floors of the intu centre as part of its £180 million expansion plan.

Watford Observer:

Shoppers waiting for the Uniqlo opening

Uniqlo UK PR manager Arianne Constantinou said: "Uniqlo aims to reach the masses through their LifeWear philosophy in an innovative and technological way.

"Some may compare us to Amazon or Apple.

"We have a clothes recycling programme world wide, one initiative is that we take old Uniqlo clothes, recycle them and turn them into rags for usage by people in Japan ."

Watford Observer:

Taiko drummers perform outside the Uniqlo store

Uniqlo collects second-hand clothes from customers to give to refugees as part of their partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and has also started phasing out plastic shopping bags and packaging.

They also use recyclable plastic bottles and turn them into their Dry EX T-shirts.

Watford Observer:

Uniqlo staff welcome the first customers

Uniqlo chief executive officer Taku Morkawa said: "The launch of Uniqlo in Watford represents another exciting moment for us in the UK, as we continue to expand our presence in this important market for the company worldwide.

"We are very excited to be able to offer Uniqlo LifeWear to the people of Watford and show how our high quality, comfortable and functional clothing can help improve their everyday lives."