Japanese retailer Muji, known for its minimalist designs, plans to capture a bigger slice of Thailand’s retail market.

Muji says it will open one to two new stores in Thailand yearly, as part of its plan to open 50 stores internationally each year. Currently, it has nine stores across the country since its first entry in 2006.

Besides additional stores, the retailer says from next year apparel products to be sold in Thai stores will be directly imported from China, where more than 90 per cent of its apparel is produced.

Muji products sold in Thailand, including apparel, are imported from Japan. Apparel produced from its factory in China are exported back to Japan before shipment to Thailand.

The new supply chain will help Muji cut prices by 15-20 per cent, says Satoru Matsuzaki, MD of the Ryohin Keikaku Group, the maker of Muji products. Muji products in Thailand are priced 20-30 per cent more than in Japan.

“With our improved logistics, it will not only help our prices go down but also make our new collections available in the Thai market about three times faster than in the past,” said Matsuzaki.

Next year’s plans for Thailand also includes boosting beauty and food product lines. Muji sells over 7000 products ranging from apparel, cosmetics, kitchen appliances, stationery, food and bedding to bath items.

Overseas stores are expected to reach 592 by the year end from current 550.

GB