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MUJI's Recent Price Adjustments: A Necessary Step

On September 5th, 2023, MUJI, operated by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, will be implementing a price adjustment affecting a total of 85 items. This change includes 26 household products and 59 food items. The decision comes as a response to ongoing increases in living costs due to escalating raw material and logistics expenses.

According to Ryohin Keikaku's mission, the company emphasizes providing ethically sourced, quality products at affordable prices. However, they are faced with challenges in maintaining these prices due to the global rise in costs. Factors contributing to these adjustments include increased prices for raw materials such as coffee beans, rice, cacao, paper, and ceramic soil, as well as growing logistics and labor costs, influenced further by the depreciation of the yen.

The brand has been proactive in its efforts to manage costs traditionally. Innovations and collaborations with partner companies have been employed to prevent price increases as much as possible. Despite these efforts, the continuous pressure from external factors has made it increasingly difficult to absorb additional costs without making adjustments.

As a result of these developments, MUJI has outlined the specifics of the price revision, which will entail not only higher prices for select items but also alterations in the quantities of certain food products. This approach aims to align with the ongoing market conditions and ensure that products remain accessible to consumers without compromising on quality.

Moving forward, MUJI is committed to maintaining a clear perspective from the consumers’ standpoint while diligently working towards minimizing production and distribution costs. The goal remains to offer goods that are “necessary for everyday life” while adhering to the company's quality and ethical principles.

Overview of Price Adjustments

Here is a brief outline of the product categories affected by the pricing changes:

• - Household Goods: Prices for 26 essential items will be adjusted.
• - Food Products: 59 food items will see price increases, alongside changes in the quantity of 5 specific items.

The company aims to keep its consumers informed and engaged regarding these shifts, emphasizing transparency as they navigate through these challenging economic times.

As the cost of living continues to rise globally, retailers like MUJI must adapt and redefine their pricing strategies to sustain basic quality standards while considering their customer base's needs. This price adjustment is a crucial part of maintaining the fine balance between affordability and quality in an era of uncertainty.