If you’re a fan of minimalist aesthetics, then you’ve probably heard of the Japanese retailer, MUJI. Recently, the brand has announced its plans to expand beyond Klang Valley and Johor Bahru. In fact, it will even be launching its first Northern outlet in Penang soon!
Curious to know more? Read on as we spill some insider info on what Malaysians can expect from MUJI!
1. A bigger and better shopping experience for Malaysians
MUJI store in The Exchange TRX
MUJI store in The Exchange TRX
After opening its first store in Malaysia over a decade ago, MUJI has been rapidly expanding its presence in some of the most established shopping malls in Malaysia. In fact, in 2023, the brand welcomed three new stores in these esteemed locations:
- The Exchange TRX: A two-storey MUJI store complete with an escalator for a convenient shopping experience.
- 1 Utama: The first MUJI store in Malaysia to feature a coffee counter. It also features a children’s play area, an embroidery counter and more.
- Pavilion Bukit Jalil: This outlet is the longest MUJI store in Malaysia, spanning a generous 90-meter width.
Coffee counter in MUJI’s 1 Utama store
MUJI store in 1 Utama
MUJI store in Pavilion Bukit Jalil
To kickstart its expansion plans this year, MUJI is launching its Penang store on 28 March 2024 at Sunway Carnival Mall. In celebration of the momentous opening of its first Northern Malaysian outlet, the store will have tons of opening specials such as attractive discounts, gifts with purchase (GWP) and exclusive RM50 vouchers for the first 150 customers in line for the opening!
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On top of that, MUJI has also announced some exciting expansion plans! WORLD OF BUZZ got a chance to speak to Shy Yun, MUJI’s Head of Store Development, who explained that their strategy “includes expansion into East Malaysia and other states in 2025. We hope to foster closer ties with the communities and enable them to enjoy MUJI even more.”
This means Malaysians can expect to see more MUJI stores opening up all over Malaysia soon, and maybe even have one in your very own neighbourhood!
2. Step into an ‘Explore MUJI’ world with this special exhibition
To commemorate the launch of the Penang outlet, MUJI has launched an exclusive ‘Explore MUJI’ exhibition, taking place at Sunway Carnival Mall (where the new Penang outlet will be).
Happening from now until 29 March 2024, Malaysians are welcome to drop by the exhibition where they can learn MUJI’s product story and how the brand became a staple for elevated daily essentials.
Apart from checking out their wide range of products, you can also expect plenty of Instagrammable spots around the exhibition, decorated with MUJI’s signature sleek and minimalist aesthetic.
If you’re in the area, make sure to drop by the ‘Explore MUJI’ exhibition in Sunway Carnival to dive into a MUJI-style world and don’t forget to stay tuned for the launch of MUJI’s Penang store!
3. That’s not all, look out for these exciting updates from MUJI!
The excitement doesn’t stop at their new stores. In an exclusive interview with WORLD OF BUZZ, MUJI’s Managing Director, Mr. Masaki Hayakawa, recounted that he’s excited about the brand’s expansion in Malaysia because he sees tremendous growth potential in our country.
“I have a really great impression towards Malaysia, the people here are friendly and warm! Our plan for the next five years at Muji is to go beyond just opening more stores. Besides just selling products, we want to introduce MUJI’s concept from Japan to the Malaysian market. We’re also excited to learn more about the Malaysian culture and adapt to create products that cater to Malaysian customers, including the diverse Muslim community.”
Amanda Yip, the Head of Merchandising at MUJI, gave us a few teasers of what we can expect from MUJI’s interesting new launches.
“We will be expanding our product line by introducing more items from Japan, including new sustainable clothing materials made from ‘soyfiber’ (soybean leftovers).”
“We’re also bringing in more items from our ‘cooling series’ that are suitable for the hot weather in Malaysia.”
Other than their products, Amanda also commented on the success of MUJI’s coffee counter at the 1 Utama store and mentioned that customers can expect more coffee counter services in their upcoming stores.
She further explained, “Our aim is to utilise the rich cultural resources available and create something that’s unique to both MUJI and Malaysia. We’re also working on expanding and localising our food product line so that Malaysians, especially our Muslim customers, are able to enjoy it. ”
Adding to the excitement, Mandy Lee, the Head of Marketing, also informed us that Malaysians can expect more roadshows, exhibitions and workshops from MUJI!
It’s not just shopping, it’s retail therapy!
In case you didn’t know, MUJI (derived from Mujirushi Ryohin) directly translates to “no-brand quality goods”. Living up to its name, the brand is known to be the go-to store where Malaysians can find authentic Japanese goods that are not only high-quality and long-lasting, but are also known for their minimalist aesthetic.
MUJI provides a wide variety of daily essentials including stationery, clothes, homeware, furniture, toiletries, food and more. Plus, the stores are known for their serene atmosphere where Malaysians can have a relaxing shopping experience.
Commenting on this, Fennie Tan, the Head of Store Operation, explained, “We want MUJI to be our customers’ go-to store, with carefully curated MUJI background music (BGM) and a focus on tidiness. We aim to offer a relaxing shopping experience once they step into our MUJI outlets.”
It sounds like we can expect a MUJI takeover in Malaysia soon and we’re definitely excited!
Want to be the first to know about MUJI’s upcoming stores in Malaysia or to find out about any exciting product launches from the brand, be sure to find out more by visiting their website or following them on Facebook and Instagram.
Are you excited to see more MUJI stores opening up near you in the future? What are your opinions on MUJI’s products? Share your thoughts with us below!
