Muji Set for U.S. Opening in New York
By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 11/12/2007
New York — International lifestyle brand Muji will open its first U.S. store Nov. 16 in New York's SoHo neighborhood, at 455 Broadway.
The 3,200-square-foot store will offer about 2,000 skus of merchandise, according to Muji USA Limited, the company's American arm. Assortment breakdown includes: 590 housewares skus, 270 heath and beauty products, 190 fabric items, 40 furniture pieces, 570 stationery offerings, 330 apparel pieces, 30 electric appliances and 20 outdoor supplies.
The name “Muji” is derived from the Japanese phrase “mujirushi ryohin,” meaning “No Brand Goods.” Now owned by Tokyo-based Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd., Muji was originally launched by Seiyu as a private brand of food and housewares. The first stand-alone store opened in 1983. In addition to Japan, Muji now operates stores in the U.K., France, Sweden, Italy, Norway, Germany, Spain, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, China and Thailand.
To encourage environmentally friendly shopping practices, the new SoHo store will give away Muji My Bags during the first three days of operations. (Afterwards, the bags will be sold for $1.) The first 500 customers will receive a free My Bag with a gift inside.
Beginning Nov. 19, every time a customer shops with the Muji My Bag instead of the paper or plastic bags provided by the store, the customer's receipt will be stamped. When a customer collects 30 stamped receipts, he or she will receive a gift.
Muji will also host My Bag shopping nights, during which customers who bring along their My Bag will receive a 15% discount. The quarterly event will begin in January 2008.
