Muji is here!
MANILA, Philippines - Here’s good news for modern minimalists: Muji is opening its first store in the Philippines at Bonifacio High Street in September.
That means Mujirers — according to New York Times, that’s how Muji fans are called — no longer have to ride an airplane to buy this line of lifestyle products known for its Bauhaus-style design, its emphasis on recycling, and its shunning of waste.
Muji also has that no-logo, no-brand appeal for those who hate ostentation but mainly prefer the brand for its refined, aesthetic appeal. Certainly, patronage of this anti-brand brand is a form of reverse snobbery that finds relevance in a retail market flooded by cheap fakes and an adulation for what is perceived as overpriced designer stuff.
Surprisingly — but maybe not — Muji will be brought in by the Tantoco family’s Rustan group of companies — the same pioneering retailers who have brought the best in global fashion brands to the Philippines, from Annick Goutal to Zegna.With the recent arrival of Hermes where stocks for six months were quickly grabbed by Makati shoppers during opening month, the Tantocos’ high-powered retailing vision once again proves itself to be sharp.
Starting as a product sold in a Japanese supermarket chain in 1980, Muji is a nickname for Mujirushi (no brand) Ryohin (quality goods) which opened its first store in Japan in1983. Muji’s first overseas branch was in London. Now it is in countries like France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Hong Kong, Korea and Thailand. Starting with 40 products, Muji now has over 7,000 items ranging from stationery, gifts, RTW clothes, personal items to food products.
The Tantocos’ foray into the realm of reasonably-priced but quality goods is evident in another brand which they are launching at the Mall of Asia this year — Payless. Will we see Hermes fans like Gretchen Barretto and Ruffa Gutierrez lining up at Payless? We wish. — M.M.M.
