Non-branded, good quality concept

MUJI is a unique lifestyle store founded on the concept of not being branded, yet offering good quality products. The idea was established based on the polarised consumer market back in the 1980s, when the demand for foreign-made luxury brands were in demand and simultaneously, poor quality and low-priced goods were sweeping the market. Its broad scope of products range from household goods to apparel, stationery and food items. Muji's posterity, while it may indicate prevailing conditions in the market, is truly in its simple yet effective idea.
ATYPICAL CONCEPT
Founded on the principle of Mujirushi ryohin, which translates to "no brand, good quality", Muji's products are conceived using a yardstick following how useful the product is to consumers, accentuated by exceptional quality. Muji's range of products is tagged with an invisible yet significant criterion, a constant enquiry of "what is best from an end user's point of view?" Coupled with rationalisation of products that include eliminating features and designs unrelated to function, all these facilitate a simplicity, which Muji proposes could be more appealing than luxury.
MUJI PLEDGE
Muji is facilitated by a stringent three-pronged commitment:
* Selection of materials
With emphasis on quality, Muji sources for raw materials from around the world. Items are acquired in bulk at low cost, which enables Muji to keep its products
reasonably priced, yet high in quality.
* Streamlining processes
The processes by which each product is manufactured are subjected to close inspection and careful scrutiny. Focusing on quality, Muji's manufacturing
process eliminates waste and reduces costs.
* Simplifying packaging
Products appear on store shelves in simple packaging, bearing only product label and price tag. This goes back to Muji's philosophy of simplicity, which also
conserves resources and reduces wastes.
MUJI IN MALAYSIA
Entering our shores in 2012, Muji has grown in strength and numbers in a relatively short period. Launching its fourth store in Sunway Pyramid last month, it has garnered a strong following which has seen sales rise by 110% in the last year.
Managing director Takuo Nagahara attributes its success to the quality of Muji products. He also says that the Malaysian Muji buyer's buying pattern is similar to Singapore's, reflecting the consumers' safe approach with consumers buying smaller items at first. "When they return, they buy a bigger item. It took time but based on the quality of our products, we gained consumer trust and confidence," shares Nagahara.
As it turns out, Muji adheres to its own standards of quality, which is beyond the industry approved requirements. Good response from the public will see more Muji stores opening in the coming year. The brand will also focus on its online shopping business, aimed at consumers in Penang, Malacca and Johor Baru. According to Nagahara, if the response from these online stores is favourable, physical stores will be in the pipeline in these states by 2017. Meanwhile in 2016, a Muji flagship store covering over 10,000 sq ft is scheduled to be opened in KL. This endeavour aims to further launch Muji's venture into the F&B business, with the establishment of its very own café. While Muji is modest in its brand approach, centering on a minimalist but functional design, its aspirations are nothing if resolute. As Nagahara puts it, "Muji is here to stay.
MUJI'S TOP THREE BEST SELLERS:
1. Aroma Diffuser
2. Beads Cushion
3. Reclining Sofa Chair
MUJI's REWARD PROGRAMME
It offers great perks, benefits and privileges to customers. To become a Muji member, simply spend RM250.00 in a single receipt at any Muji store in Malaysia and be eligible to enjoy the following rewards (terms and conditions apply):
1. MUJI Dollars
Earn Muji Dollars while you shop. For every RM50.00 purchase, members are entitled to 1 Muji Dollar that is redeemable for 1 ringgit cash rebate on their next
purchase.
2. Shopping rebates
Buy more, pay less. Members get to redeem Muji Dollars that can be used to offset purchases with a minimum of RM20 spent.
3. Birthday bonus
Members are rewarded with double Muji Dollars when shopping with us during their birthday month. For example, spend RM50.00 and get 2 Muji Dollars. It is a
celebration worth waiting for!
4. MUJI mailing list
Stay updated with Muji. Members will receive first-hand news on exclusive launches and lifestyle inspirations that are bound to delight.