Muji launches under 500 yen store concept

(Source: Bigstock)

Japanese homewares and apparel retailer Muji has launched a new retail concept dubbed Muji 500, offering daily necessities under 500 yen (US$3.46). 

The new 181sqm store is located on the 4th floor of Atre Vie Mitaka and offers around 3000 goods. Muji says 70 per cent of the products on sale are priced at 500 yen or less.

The offer spans categories including detergents, cleaning products, kitchen utensils, toiletries, skin care products, stationery, and food. 

Muji’s operator, Ryohin Keikaku, is focusing on low-cost everyday requirements, and Muji 500 is part of that approach. The company also reports that starting next spring, it would extend its sub-500 yen daily needs range.

Muji anticipates selling around 100 new goods during the spring/summer season next year and will open 30 Muji 500 stores by the end of February, primarily in central Tokyo, then opening 20 stores per year after that.

The new chain is part of an already ambitious expansion program, with Muji opening its first store in Macau in August and already pursuing expansion in Mainland China, at a rate of 50 new stores annually. The company intends to grow its footprint in other Asian markets, including Thailand, South Korea, and Vietnam.

Japanese convenience store operator Lawson announced in April that it would provide food and grocery items sourced from Muji across its 14,000-store network in Japan.

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