MUJI's Ambitious Expansion Plans
In a bold move, MUJI, the renowned Japanese retailer known for its minimalist designs and philosophy, has announced its plans to open flagship stores in three countries: France, Thailand, and Vietnam. Operated by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd., based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, these new stores aim to enhance the brand's global reach while supporting everyday lifestyles across different cultures.
European Expansion: The Paris Flagship
The expansion kickstarts with the opening of its first European flagship store in Paris, on the highly frequented Rue de Rivoli, anticipated in the autumn-winter of 2026. This store will cover over 600 square meters, making it the largest of its kind in Europe. The design will embody the essence of MUJI’s philosophy while integrating elements of Parisian culture, providing a unique shopping experience that reflects both the brand and the locale.
Having established its first European store in London in 1991, MUJI has since grown to 32 locations across nine European countries. The reopening of this flagship store symbolizes a strategic return to European markets and aims to solidify the brand’s recognition and growth potential in the region.
Southeast Asia: Flagships in Thailand and Vietnam
In Thailand, a new flagship store will open in Central World, Bangkok, on November 28th, 2025. This will be the largest retail space in Thailand and all of Southeast Asia, boasting a total of 988 square meters. The store will showcase an extensive range of products, including items developed specifically for the local market, emphasizing MUJI’s commitment to integrating into the communities it serves. This store has already garnered recognition, as MUJI Retail (Thailand) Co., Ltd. recently received the “Brand Store of the Year (Thailand)” award at the Retail Asia Awards 2025.
Meanwhile, the flagship in Vietnam is set to be refurbished and reopened in 2025 at the same location that marked MUJI's debut in Ho Chi Minh City back in November 2020. This store will also hold the title of the largest in both Vietnam and Southeast Asia, spanning 905 square meters. The product offerings will focus on themes of natural materials, skin-friendliness, and quality sleep, alongside exclusive local product launches that cater specifically to the Vietnamese lifestyle.
A Commitment to Local Communities
MUJI’s strategy transcends mere expansion; it reflects a genuine commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the local populations. By collaborating with local businesses and utilizing domestic materials, MUJI aims to create products that resonate with the cultural and practical needs of each locale. This is evident in their ongoing initiatives in Thailand, where they have developed local products since their first store opened in 2006.
As of August 2023, MUJI operates a total of 1,474 stores worldwide, with 717 in Japan and 757 abroad. These flagship stores are expected to play a crucial role in bolstering the brand's identity in their respective markets, ultimately driving profitability and reinforcing brand awareness.
The Future Looks Bright
With a clear vision of providing a ‘good living’ experience across the globe, MUJI is dedicated to accelerating its international expansion plans. Each flagship store opens doors not only to product sales but also to cultural exchange, community engagement, and sustainability. As MUJI continues its journey, the world eagerly anticipates how these new flagship stores will further enrich the lives of customers not just in France, Thailand, and Vietnam, but across the globe.