MUJI Launches First Store in India at Palladium, High Street Phoenix Mumbai

by Shrutee K/DNS

Mumbai, August 5^th, 2016: The international lifestyle retail brand MUJI has opened its doors in India today. Part of Japan’s RyohinKeikaku Co., Ltd., MUJI’s first store opened at South Mumbai’s luxury shopping mall - Palladium at High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel. The brand has entered India through a joint venturewith Reliance Brands Ltd., a part of the Reliance Industries Group.

MUJI, which comes from the Japanese phrase ‘MujirushiRyohin’ meaning ‘no-brand, quality goods’ is rooted in the beliefs of simplicity, flexibility and modesty. Their extensive range in India includes men's, women's and children's apparel, bags, shoes and accessories, furniture, homeware, beauty products, stationery, electronics, bedding and travel goods.

In keeping with its philosophy of drawing consumers to the beauty of leading a simple life with functional yet stylistic products, the brand is showcasing an exclusive MUJI exhibition at the atrium of Palladium Mall for 2 weeks starting today. The exhibition spotlighted a few of MUJI’s iconic products such as their Right Angle Socks, Aroma Diffuser, Beads Sofa and LED Flashlight amongst others. H.E. Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu, Japan’s Ambassador to India, and his wife Mrs. Patricia Clara AguadoHiramatsu, unveiled the exhibition and inaugurated the store with a ribbon cutting ceremony as the chief guests for the morning.

On the occasion, Mr. Satoru Matsuzaki, President & Representative Director, Ryohin-Keikaku Co., Ltd., expressed “Launching MUJI in India has been a long cherished goal. We are happy to be starting this journey of selling MUJI products to the increasingly global minded Indian consumers. And through that, spreading the MUJI philosophy of creating customer delight by presenting utilitarian products with a refined elegance and accessible price points. In Reliance we have found a partner that not only understands the complexity of the Indian markets but also equally resonates with the MUJI philosophy".

MUJI, which started as a private brand of The Seiyu, Ltd. in December 1980 with only 40 products, has grown and now offers about 7,000 products. RyohinKeikaku was spun off from Seiyu in 1989 and became a manufacturer/retailer for the planning, development, production, distribution and sale of MUJI products, which include diverse necessities such as clothes, household articles and food. MUJI aims to offer a “simple, pleasant lifestyle at reasonable prices” by making the best use of the materials while considering environmental issues. The company has over 700 stores in 27countries and areas, including Japan.

Commenting on the partnership and the launch, Mr. Darshan Mehta, President & CEO of Reliance Brands Ltd. says," Rarely does one come across a brand that transcends across daily life needs. A brand that understands the complexity of creating simple products that have utility at its core. A brand that sits without competition. Yet with a price and use appeal that cuts across gender, age groups and mindsets. A brand with a powerful soul. It is with both immense pride and pleasure that we look forward to our partnership with RyohinKeikakuto launch and grow the MUJI brand in India".

About RyohinKeikaku Co., Ltd.- RyohinKeikaku Co., Ltd. is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in the retail of self-brand goods, with a market capitalization in excess of about USD 6.6 billion (as of July20, 2016)and an annual turnover of USD 2.2 billion. The Company is primarily engaged in the planning, development, procurement, logistics and processing of self-brand goods under the brand name MUJI, as well as the operation of direct retail stores and the wholesale of goods to its trade partners. The Company is also engaged in the operation of campsites, the sale of houses, as well as the sale of products under the brand name IDEE. Its products include clothing products, miscellaneous goods and food products,

among others. The Company’s direct retail stores are located in Japan, China,Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea,Singapore,Malaysia,UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Australia, Thailand, Canada, and the United States. As of February 29, 2016, it had 22 subsidiaries.

About Reliance Brands Ltd.- Reliance Brands Limited is part of the Reliance Industries Group. The Company began operations in October 2007 with a mandate to launch and build international and domestic brand equity in the premium to luxury segment across apparel, footwear and lifestyle business. Its current portfolio of brandpartnerships comprises of BCBGMAXAZRIA, BCBGENERATION, BROOKS BROTHERS, DC, DIESEL, DUNE, ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA, GAS, HAMLEYS, HUNKEMOLLER, ICONIX, JUICY COUTURE, KATE SPADE, KENNETH COLE, MUJI, PAUL & SHARK, QUIKSILVER, REISS, ROXY, STEVE MADDEN, SUPERDRY and THOMAS PINK.