Alshaya announces franchise partnership with Muji

M.H. Alshaya Co., the leading international retail franchise operator, is pleased to announce that it has signed an exclusive franchise partnership agreement to bring Muji, the household and lifestyle brand, to the Middle East. The partnership was confirmed this week at a signing ceremony held in Kuwait between Mr Tadamitsu Matsui, Chairman of Muji’s parent company Ryōhin Keikaku Co. Ltd and Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya. The first Muji store is expected to open in 2012. 

Muji (Mujirushi Ryōhin) is a Japanese retailer that sells a wide variety of household and consumer goods including clothes, home furnishings, cosmetics, travel accessories, stationery and gift items. 

In Japanese, Mujirushi means ‘no brand’ and ‘Ryōhin’ means good quality, and Muji is characterised by its design simplicity and minimal packaging. With nearly 500 stores across Japan, Asia, Europe and the USA, Muji has achieved global recognition for its concept which is achieved through a complexity of thought and design. 

Commenting on the new partnership, Muji’s Chairman, Mr Tadamitsu Matsui said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Middle East’s leading retail franchiser to bring Muji to new consumers in the Middle East. Muji’s strength lies in its combination of great design and a wide range of great value products and we look forward to introducing the Muji experience to the region.” 

Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M.H. Alshaya Co added: “Muji is an iconic retail brand that has global appeal for its innovative store concept and product range. We believe its unique proposition will have strong customer appeal here in the Middle East.