Store Guide: Muji, the popular Japanese minimalist brand’s new Toronto home at Yonge and Dundas
(Images: Jenna Marie Wakani)
Name: Muji
Sells : Apparel and household products
Contact info: Atrium on Bay, 20 Dundas St. W. , 416-591-2233, facebook.com/MUJI-CANADA
Hours: M-Fr 10-8, Sa 10-7, Su 11-5
Muji , the Japanese label known for its perfectly minimalist products, opened its first Canadian store outside the Eaton Centre this past weekend—and those who made the trek on Saturday had to brave a decidedly maximalist line . There’s no food, furniture or electric appliances as there are at Muji stores elsewhere in the world, but the downtown store’s nearly three thousand items include clothing, kitchen and bathroom products, bedding, travel necessities, stationery and storage containers, all thoughtfully designed and highly functional. (So much so that it’s tempting to just purchase it all and embark on a simplified life, complete with cat-shaped Post-its and seated floor mats.)
What makes Muji stand out from most other retailers is its no-brand philosophy (Muji means “no-brand, quality goods” in Japanese). Its use of high-quality materials like organic cotton and no-frills packaging means there’s plenty of value for shoppers: instead of trying to be a budget brand, the company operates on a “rational” pricing scheme, and most of the store is pretty affordable. For holiday shopping, we’re fans of this plaid pyjama set ($60), this space-saving toothbrush holder ($6) and a cozy scarf that also functions as a shawl ($60).
300933 The company is famous for its luggage selection, which includes carry-on sizes, 360-degree-rotating wheels and locks. A medium-sized suitcase goes for $166. (Image: Jenna Marie Wakani) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-01-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-01.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-01/ muji-toronto-store-guide-01 0 0
(Image: Jenna Marie Wakani)
300935 The new space has two storefronts: one on Dundas Street West and the other inside the Atrium on Bay. The entrance facing the indoor plaza has stationary products, like these colourful pens ($1.25 each), on display—all the better to attract workers in the building. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-02-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-02.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-02/ muji-toronto-store-guide-02 0 0
300936 The menswear is rugged and casual. Guys can pick up plaid shirts for $40. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-03-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-03.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-03/ muji-toronto-store-guide-03 0 0
300937 Unisex pyjama sets, which you can bet will be a big seller during the holidays. $60 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-04-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-04.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-04.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-04/ muji-toronto-store-guide-04 0 0
300938 Recycled paper notebooks come completely plain, but store visitors add some flare with seasonal stamps. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-05-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-05.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-05/ muji-toronto-store-guide-05 0 0
300939 An extensive beauty line includes products like this facial cleansing oil. $6.50 for the travel size. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-06-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-06.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-06.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-06/ muji-toronto-store-guide-06 0 0
300940 Converse-ish sneakers are a steal at $30. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-07-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-07.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-07/ muji-toronto-store-guide-07 0 0
300942 Written descriptions around the shop explain the not-always-obvious functionality of most things for sale. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-09-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-09.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-09.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-09/ muji-toronto-store-guide-09 0 0
300941 For example, you may not know that a cozy woolen scarf has convenient arm holes to turn it into a shawl. $60 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-08-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-08.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-08/ muji-toronto-store-guide-08 0 0
300943 Like most of the apparel, this women's shirt is extremely versatile. $50 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-10-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-10.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-10/ muji-toronto-store-guide-10 0 0
300944 As are these simple white shirts, made from organic cotton. $40 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-11-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-11.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-11/ muji-toronto-store-guide-11 0 0
300945 The store also carries a selection of Japanese toys, like this recycled paper dinosaur. $12.50 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-12-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-12.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-12/ muji-toronto-store-guide-12 0 0
300946 Women can nab comfy turtlenecks for $45. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-13-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-13.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-13/ muji-toronto-store-guide-13 0 0
300947 This area of the store is devoted to household products—pots and pans, pillows, clear storage containers and travel cases. (Two-thirds of the items in the place are kitchen, bath, and home goods.) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-14-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-14.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-14/ muji-toronto-store-guide-14 0 0
300948 For a perpetually good-smelling home, this diffuser uses natural oils to emit scents like lavender. $70 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-15-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-15.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-15/ muji-toronto-store-guide-15 0 0
300949 Chic bed linens come in neutral shades and ultra-soft cotton. Shoppers can pick up a queen-sized duvet cover for $60. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-16-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-16.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-16/ muji-toronto-store-guide-16 0 0
300950 The linear display cases are meant to highlight each product. (Though these clear storage containers stand out pretty well on their own.) $15-$35 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-17-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-17.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-17/ muji-toronto-store-guide-17 0 0
300952 One of the brand's best sellers is this toothbrush holder, which is definitely more visually appealing—and space saving—than an old mug. It also comes in a range of pretty pastel colours. $5.50 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-19-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-19.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-19/ muji-toronto-store-guide-19 0 0
300954 This standing clock can be placed anywhere. (Punctuality, like organization, is definitely up there on the list of Muji priorities.) $60 https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-21-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-21.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-21/ muji-toronto-store-guide-21 0 0
300955 A view of the street-facing storefront on Dundas West. https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-22-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-22.jpg 1200 800 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/slide/muji-toronto-store-guide-22/ muji-toronto-store-guide-22 0 0