Here’s Your First Look at Muji
Photo by Madeline Bilis
Newbury Street is a Bostonian’s go-to spot for brand-name shopping. But come Friday, a self-proclaimed “brandless” store will open its doors across from T.J. Maxx.
Muji, which translates to “no-brand, quality goods,” is a Japanese lifestyle brand that embraces a no-label philosophy. It will open its second flagship location in North America on Newbury Street on January 27.
The new 10,000-square-foot store carries thousands of simple, low-cost items, from skincare products and clothes to home goods and kitchenwares. Prior to its official launch, Muji hosted a two-month-long pop-up shop a few blocks away at 297 Newbury Street, showcasing popular products like Muji pens, stationery, and storage boxes.
Muji was founded in Japan in 1980 with the goal of eliminating wastefulness. Since then, it’s amassed a cult-like following for its functional, design-driven products, which are meant to improve customers’ lifestyles.
Naoto Fukasawa, a renowned Japanese designer and creative lead for Muji, says the brand lends itself well to urban dwelling and student living.
“Look at Harvard, for example, or MIT—students must focus on a simple life. That’s why its a great location to open here, to share (Muji’s) culture,” says Fukasawa. “Muji is not just a retailer. It’s more kind of sharing (Muji’s) philosophy or concept with the people who live here.”
The Boston flagship store has its own embroidery station, where customers can pay $3 to add designs to clothing or textiles. There’s also a scent-mixing “aroma bar,” which allows visitors to concoct their own aroma diffuser scents from 48 types of essential oils.
Check out the rest of the store below.
Photo by Madeline Bilis
Photo by Madeline Bilis
Photo by Madeline Bilis
Photo by Madeline Bilis
Photo by Madeline Bilis
Photo by Madeline Bilis
Photo by Madeline Bilis
Photo by Madeline Bilis
Photo by Madeline Bilis
Photo by Madeline Bilis
Photo by Madeline Bilis
Photo by Madeline Bilis
Muji opens on Friday, January 27 at 359 Newbury Street. It will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. through 9 p.m. See muji.us for more information.
