Store Guide: Muji, the popular Japanese minimalist brand’s new Toronto home at Yonge and Dundas
Store Guide: Muji, the popular Japanese minimalist brand’s new Toronto home at Yonge and Dundas
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).
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- 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)
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- 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.
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- The menswear is rugged and casual. Guys can pick up plaid shirts for $40.
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- Unisex pyjama sets, which you can bet will be a big seller during the holidays. $60
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- Recycled paper notebooks come completely plain, but store visitors add some flare with seasonal stamps.
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- An extensive beauty line includes products like this facial cleansing oil. $6.50 for the travel size.
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- Converse-ish sneakers are a steal at $30.
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- Written descriptions around the shop explain the not-always-obvious functionality of most things for sale.
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- For example, you may not know that a cozy woolen scarf has convenient arm holes to turn it into a shawl. $60
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- Like most of the apparel, this women's shirt is extremely versatile. $50
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- As are these simple white shirts, made from organic cotton. $40
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- The store also carries a selection of Japanese toys, like this recycled paper dinosaur. $12.50
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- Women can nab comfy turtlenecks for $45.
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- 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.)
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- For a perpetually good-smelling home, this diffuser uses natural oils to emit scents like lavender. $70
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- Chic bed linens come in neutral shades and ultra-soft cotton. Shoppers can pick up a queen-sized duvet cover for $60.
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- The linear display cases are meant to highlight each product. (Though these clear storage containers stand out pretty well on their own.) $15-$35
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- 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
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- This standing clock can be placed anywhere. (Punctuality, like organization, is definitely up there on the list of Muji priorities.) $60
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- A view of the street-facing storefront on Dundas West.
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![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-muji/&title=Store Guide: Muji, the popular Japanese minimalist brand’s new Toronto home at Yonge and Dundas&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/muji-toronto-store-guide-13-624x416.jpg&description=[caption id="attachment_300982" align="alignnone" width="656"] (Images: Jenna Marie Wakani)[/caption]
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).
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