Store Guide: Muji, the popular Japanese minimalist brand’s new Toronto home at Yonge and Dundas

| December 2, 2014

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).