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Randomness ([personal profile] randomness) wrote2007-11-22 06:08 pm

Muji Opens in New York

From Condé Nast Portfolio, November 19th (http://www.portfolio.com/culture-lifestyle/goods/style/2007/11/19/Muji-Opens-in-New-York?TID=alsoin/muji):
The Japanese retailer, known for its minimalist aesthetic and commitment to reducing waste, welcomed shoppers to its 3,200-square-foot SoHo location. This is its first outpost in the U.S.

You can find just about anything you need, except for logos. Muji is short for Mujirushi Ryohin, which roughly translates to "no label, quality goods.” The low-key store design reflects that aesthetic with wood floors and basic aluminum fixtures, and the company has always been driven by a principle of reducing waste through limiting production materials and packaging. A pair of bumblebee-striped slippers, for example, comes with a single tag, and starting in 2008, buyers who utilize the cloth “My Bag” on designated nights will get a 15% discount.

Ironically, at a time when corporations are falling over backward to label themselves as Earth-conscious, Azami plays down the 25-plus years of ecological thinking. “We eliminate waste because from the customer’s point-of-view they don’t want heavy packaging,” he says, “but it was not a conscious, intentional focus on environmental issues.”
The Wikipedia entry mentions that "The protagonist of William Gibson's 2003 novel Pattern Recognition, being allergic to brands and corporate logos, wears clothing from MUJI."

Muji
455 Broadway (Between Grand and Howard Streets)
New York, NY 10013
tel: 212.334.2002
N, Q, R, W: Canal St.

Monday thru Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Muji is where I got my RFID-blocking aluminum card case.

They're open today (Thanksgiving) until 9PM, but I think we'll stop by Sunday or something.

[identity profile] rosminah.livejournal.com 2007-11-23 01:29 am (UTC)(link)
oooh, I love Muji and miss it. I bought those card cases as well, they were great gifts for friends.
I am also wearing a hoodie I brought from Muji in the late 90s right now. It's still in very good condition.

[identity profile] r-ness.livejournal.com 2007-11-23 02:02 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, my card case finally succumbed to metal fatigue after 6 years of constant use, which is why I need to go get another one.

If they succeed in NYC I hear they're going to branch out. CA can't be far behind.

[identity profile] chaiya.livejournal.com 2007-11-23 04:49 am (UTC)(link)
How spendy would that case be? I have two people on my list who'd make good use of such a thing ...

[identity profile] r-ness.livejournal.com 2007-11-23 05:18 am (UTC)(link)
The price of the item (code 7372564) in Japan is ¥472, including tax: http://www.muji.net/store/cmdty/detail/4945247372564

Their global online site lists it for £3.95: http://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?V=1&Sec=1&Sub=5&PID=2050

¥472 is $4.38, while £3.95 is $8.18. I figure the markup in NYC will make the final US price closer to $8 than $5, but that should give you some idea.

I've tested it with both CharlieCards and SmartTrip cards; it blocks turnstiles and ticket vending machines quite effectively. Whether it blocks an RFID sniffer is something I haven't tested, but would like to, if someone on my flist has an RFID reader handy. People are making wallets out of wire mesh, anti-static bags, and aluminum foil, so I'd think this would work just fine.

But as I said, I'd like to do a test. I have a *stack* of RFID cards I'd like to examine.

[identity profile] chaiya.livejournal.com 2007-11-23 05:23 am (UTC)(link)
Oooh. In that price range, do you think you could pick two up for me, and I'll pay you back when you get back in town?

For that matter, we should do dinner. Want dinner? ;)

[identity profile] intuition-ist.livejournal.com 2007-11-23 02:32 am (UTC)(link)
ooh, more reasons to go to NYC :)

[identity profile] r-ness.livejournal.com 2007-11-23 05:18 am (UTC)(link)
As if any more were necessary! :)

[identity profile] xse99.livejournal.com 2007-11-23 03:23 am (UTC)(link)
Wait, are you in New York? I'm away now but returning on Sat--would be great to see you if possible.

[identity profile] r-ness.livejournal.com 2007-11-23 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
We're in Boston right now but I'll be in CT on Saturday, and so NYC on Sunday is a distinct possibility.

[identity profile] xse99.livejournal.com 2007-11-23 10:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Give a buzz if it looks likely. Happy Thanksgiving.

[identity profile] allessindra.livejournal.com 2007-11-23 11:35 am (UTC)(link)

of COURSe you're going to be in NYC when I'm in MD...

*sigh*

I wonder if they have cases like that big enough to fit an EZPass transponder.