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Muji to go big in Portland

9/28/2018
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A Japanese lifestyle brand known for its minimalist products is moving into the Pacific Northwest with its second biggest U.S. location to date — one that includes a number of new features.

Muji will open its first store in the Pacific Northwest, in Portland, Oregon, later this fall. Located in the historic Meier & Frank Building in downtown, the 11,000-sq.-ft. space was designed by Japanese studio Super Potato to create a unique store experience, reflecting both the design legacy of Muji and honoring the rich landscape and creative community of Portland.

The store will offer services that are new to the brand’s U.S. locations, including an “Art Wall,” which will showcase a wide-variety of found objects collected from around Portland, and the Re-Muji collection of recycled clothing (it is made up of repurposed archived pieces from past collections that are recycled and re-in one of three shades of Japanese indigo.). The retailer is also in conversation with a number of local organizations -- both as vendors and as partners -- to celebrate the unique culture and aesthetic of Portland alongside Muji’s goods, which includes apparel, kitchenware, tableware, furniture, interior and storage accessories, stationery, skincare, and bags.

In addition, Portland customers will be able to choose from over 300 embroidered designs and letters to add to any of the brand’s clothing or textile items. The store will also offer an alteration service with same day pick up for items purchased in store. For $5.00, customers will be able to have Muji items hemmed after purchasing or at a later date. Muji is also introducing a new coffee concept in the location.

The store will stock the company’s wide array of products, which are rooted in a streamlined aesthetic and designed to highlight modesty, accessibility, and reduced waste. The core product lineup line includes: apparel, kitchenware, tableware, furniture, interior and storage accessories, stationery, skincare, bags and suitcases.

“The Portland location represents a particularly exciting milestone for the brand,” says Taku Hareyama, general manager of Muji Portland. “Not only is Muji expanding into a new region of the U.S., but the interior of the store and unique services offered, are designed as a special homage to the local Portland community, reflecting the vivacity and creativity of the surrounding community, and the universality and usability of Muji products.”

In advance of the launch, Muji opened a pop-up shop running from Friday, Sept. 14- Sunday, Oct. 28. The temporary outpost sells a curated selection of Muji’s iconic items that center around daily essential needs, stationary items and cleaning products.

Muji’s products are rooted in a streamlined aesthetic and designed to highlight modesty, accessibility, and reduced waste. The Muji name derives from the company’s original name in Japanese: Mujirushi Ryohin, meaning No Brand, Quality Goods. The company operates more than 400 stores in Japan. It has fifteen U.S. stores, with six in California, and seven in the greater New York City area. There are also locations in New Jersey and one in Massachusetts.
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