Muji to double Chinese store openings to 50 per year

Japanese retailer increases dependence on China despite Xinjiang cotton risk

Shoppers walk out of a Muji outlet in Shanghai. The Japanese retailer just reaffirmed to Chinese customers that it is not a member of the Better Cotton Initiative and will not boycott cotton from Xinjiang. © AP

SHOSUKE KATO, Nikkei staff writer

July 24, 2021 11:30 JST

TOKYO -- The Japanese operator of the Muji chain will double the pace of store openings in China, as the lifestyle retailer risks a backlash from human rights advocates in a bid to revive its struggling overseas business.

Ryohin Keikaku will open 50 outlets a year in China starting in the fiscal year ending August 2024, the midterm plan released on Wednesday shows. The company envisions using the intervening years to hire an executive team in charge of Chinese operations that will expand the chain to lower-tier cities.