Carefully stacked notebooks, raw wood furnishings and a clean palette of white, navy, and beige — MUJI is every minimalist’s dream. With the scent of yuzu, sage, and lavender wafting through the air, every inch of the store lives up to the minimalist aesthetics. In a culture that promotes hyper-consumerism, MUJI, a brand that promotes utility and plainness, feels oddly refreshing.
MUJI started with just 9 household items and 31 food products. Today, they are a global lifestyle brand with over 800 stores worldwide and 6,500 items ranging from garments to furniture. Their design, while understated, are instantly recognizable. How exactly did MUJI, a brand with no logo, advertising or spokesperson, grow into a retail giant with such a massive cult following? Let’s find out.
MUJI’s full name is Mujirushi Ryohin (無印良品), which translates to ‘no label, quality goods’. Built on a philosophy of anonymity and functionality, the brand was founded in 1980 when the Japanese market was being flooded with foreign luxury brands due to its rapidly growing economy. The founders identified a gap in the market for affordable and quality goods and carved out a niche for themselves as a “brandless” brand.
Representing a philosophy of minimalism that is becoming more recognized and appreciated globally, MUJI creates a seamless in-store shopping experience with a cozy ambiance that their consumers crave for and can resonate with on an emotional level. Since the minimalist lifestyle is so deeply embedded throughout MUJI’s identity, by associating themselves with the retail chain, consumers believe that they are one step closer to becoming more like the people they identify as, or aspire to be.
While staying true to their philosophy, MUJI continues to evolve as a business by expanding product lines and uncovering new opportunities including cafes, concept stores and even hotels. The company has managed to strike a sweet balance between growth and authenticity, and their success largely stems from their ability to consistently incorporate core values to not only their products but all aspects of their operation.
As a lifestyle brand, MUJI is not just selling products, it’s more about an experience and a way of life. What gives MUJI an edge is their ability to foster a sense of community built on shared values, and this is exactly what every brand should strive to deliver.
Samantha Tsui 