Muji is the next big thing opening this October

Manila, we’re getting spoiled. With so many new stores opening, shopping at home will never be the same again. And the next big thing opening this October is the Japanese concept store, Muji, at Bonifacio High Street.

I still remember the first time I saw a Muji store in Tokyo, mid-’80s. I didn’t get it then. Here were “brandless” clothing, houseware and stationery — the exact opposite of logomania.

As a teenager in the ‘80s, I didn’t quite get the brand-less concept. I began to appreciate it in the ’90s when I became more practical and mature.

Muji became a must-stop whenever traveling to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and Tokyo. I can’t even tell you how many Muji things I have at home. Every room has something Muji.

Right in front of me is a Muji pen organizer in acrylic, and I happen to be wearing Muji sweats and boy briefs.

Our sons’ blankets are the plushest Muji blankets. In the bathroom, we have Muji shampoo and conditioner.

I have the raincoat, luggage, pillows, umbrella, iPad case, stationery, pens, bags, pouches, makeup, toner — you name it. Sometimes I even indulge in some Muji marshmallows or butter-sugar toast. In short, the selection is endless.

Even though I’ve been to Muji stores a hundred times, I can’t seem to enter one without buying something.

Now, panic-buying at Muji while traveling should be a thing of the past when premier retailer Stores Specialists, Inc. opens its first store at Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City.

From apparel and makeup to house ware and stationery, Muji has always defined its products through restraint, simplicity and relevance. When they started out in 1980, their revolutionary idea was to eliminate logos and focus on product design and functionality.

Their brand name — Mujirushi Ryohin — translates to “no brand, quality products.” It embodies their goal of creating products that speak for themselves.

Muji’s core principles revolve around three important themes: selection of materials, streamlining of process, and simplification of packaging. Their dedication to use sustainable and innovative sources of raw materials allows them to produce more eco-friendly products.

Upon sourcing the best materials, items undergo a meticulous design process that aims to eliminate the unnecessary. In keeping with their natural stance, Muji veers away from artificial additives so products retain their original color and shape.

Muji’s concern for simplicity and the environment also extends to its packaging. Consumers are allowed to buy only what they need — be it one pillowcase instead of a set of two, or ink refills instead of new pens. This allows Muji and its customers to conserve resources and reduce waste.

From a modest line-up of 40 products in a supermarket chain, Muji now offers more than 7,000 products sold in 18 countries.

We can’t wait to see which items will be sold at Bonifacio High Street, even though October is just around the corner.