At long last, British Columbia has a MUJI. What’s a MUJI, you might ask? The Japanese-based brand has a fiercely loyal following with 250 stores across the globe represented in 28 countries.
One day ahead of the official public opening, spectators were outside with smart phones and cameras in hand, peeking inside the gates to get a glimpse of the store that’s stolen their hearts in other lands (the first-ever Canadian MUJI to open was in Toronto).
This store’s got its East coast cousin beat in size (7,770 square feet) and amount of goods (4,000).
Worth the wait? You can now find out for yourself. There’s a lot to take in, but everything’s well organized and fully stocked as of this writing.
Founded in Japan in 1980, the company sells what they call “no-brand quality goods”, containing collections of household items, clothes, makeup accessories, essential oils, sweets, stationery, storage boxes and a variety of other useful products.
[Opening remarks by MUJI Canada president Toru Akita]
MUJI Canada president Toru Akita welcomed the packed room of media and invited guests. To all BC customers: an apology for having to wait so long.
[Ms. Asako Okai, Consul General of Japan]
“Thank you for your patience”, added Akita, and soon an enormous barrel of sake was tapped to commemorate the opening, symbolizing a blessing of health, prosperity and happiness.
[Sake barrel tapping]
Also present for the media opening was Satoru Matsuzaki, president of MUJI’s parent company, Ryohin Keikaku; Ms. Asako Okai, Consul General of Japan; Hon. Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology; Derek Corrigan, Mayor of Burnaby and a Metropolis at Metrotown executive.
We were also treated to a live shodo (calligraphy) painting session and a cha-do tea ceremony before setting loose in the store to shop.
[Sake sampling time!]
MUJI’s products lack branding, so that they may be easily integrated into everyone’s lifestyle.
Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan is pleased to see that Ryohin Keikaku chose Metropolis at Metrotown, BC’s largest mall, ahead of Vancouver.
This is only the beginning of MUJI’s store presence in Western Canada. A Robson store is set to open in the former Gap/Gap Kids space with 30,000 square feet of MUJI goods.
Here’s a few more shots of what you can expect to find here. Visit MUJI Canada online for more info.
