It was a year ago since I blogged about Muji coming here in the Philippines. Now that it has finally opened its flagship store in Bonifacio High Street last October 16 (and after reading others blog about their Muji experience), I couldn't help but check it out last week. Boy, was I disappointed.
Don't get me wrong. I love Muji (maybe because I'm normally biased when stuff are Japan made ^^) even if I don't actually buy a lot of stuff from there, Muji in Hong Kong has always been a happy place for me as I can spend hours just looking around. A different case in Muji High Street as I was able to do the rounds in 30 minutes (or less).
Truth is, the look and feel is very Muji-like. All of their merchandise have the same product sticker you'll find in other Muji stores abroad. They have the usual areas: clothes (Japanese style, of course), bags, shoes, accessories, home and kitchen utensils, cosmetics, furniture and most especially, food and stationery (the last 2 being Rai and my favorite areas). The disappointment came in when we saw what they have to offer in the food section as it was almost non-existent. (Look at what HK Muji has to ). And the pens and stationery... not as much choices as from stores abroad. Too bad because I've always had this thinking that Japanese stores offer the most number of (cute) pens and stationery.
Aside from that, I somehow felt like every item was just too expensive. I don't know how it can be said that the products here are cheaper by 6%-7% as compared to HK prices. Believe me, as I looked at the price tags, I can't help but compare how much the items were sold in HK and how cheaper they are there (also maybe in Japan as I was surprised to see a foldable umbrella being sold here at Php1250 which I was able to get at half that price in Japan). With that, it can be said that Muji's target consumers are those who can really afford (which is why they set it up in High Street). Average consumers will probably opt to visit a Saizen store for more affordable Japan-made products.
With that said, I'm not so sure if I'll frequent this store as I thought I would.
