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| - I discovered MUJI many years ago accidentally in New York. It was raining, and I bought an umbrella so I can continue my day roaming Manhattan. I've beaten the dlying lights and crap out of it, but it still works to this day, which is something that couldn't be said of other umbrellas that have crossed my hands. Is that supposed to be a testament to their quality?
I have heard of Muji before, not because I am Asian, but because of the things one learns of as a design/architecture student. I've long to go back and see more of this "Japanese IKEA" brand. Until I learned Muji would expand to Canada and would open its first location in the Atrium on Bay complex in Toronto. I'm not head-over-heels fanatically crazy for the brand unlike others, but for shits and giggles I lined up for their grand opening. Bought a few things, got a free tote bag. Didn't wait long to get in; sorry to those way further down the line for the novelty of the opportunity.
What's to find at this Muji? Housewares, office/desk tools and stationary, organizing stuff, bathroom/beauty accessories, and everyday clothing, including sweaters and undergarments. Everything is designed with maximum functionality, simplicity and value (though not at IKEA prices), including "Hipster panties," anyone? There is a fitting room beside the checkout, which will prove useful when you find that they subscribe to what in the western-centric view we might call "Asian sizing." Which is to say, you may discover Muji small to be too small.
There is also something to be said about their inventory, or lack thereof. Seems like many of their items are never there post-grand opening, like the fabled pens I keep hearing of, which seems to be a quick seller. You hear from staff and elsewhere of new shipments, and you get there and it's all gone. It's ridiculous; it's like searching for a rare Pokémon. I hope their distribution improves over time, especially as they open other Canadian locations. Until then in these first few months expect to see annoyingly empty shelves regularly, because I hear pen refills are a hit too. As is also stuff still stuck with tags with Japanese pricing.
There were mostly Asian faces in the grand opening lineup, and the high Asian shopper ratio remains in my subsequent visits. Maybe we're on to something about Muji, or just an observation...
{TTC: no longer a flight to Japan or New York, it's now a streetcar ride to Dundas subway station.}
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