ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Retail

Unbranded and unsold: Muji weighed down by inventory

Write-downs or discounts loom as pandemic shutters stores

A Muji store in Bangkok: Widespread store closures have left Muji operator Ryohin Keikaku with even more unsold inventory. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)

TOKYO -- Japan's Ryohin Keikaku now sits on a mountain of unsold stock as the coronavirus pandemic shuts down retail stores around the world, worsening a longstanding problem for the operator of the Muji home-goods chain.

Famous for their simple, no-frills designs and no-brand philosophy, Muji products have gained popularity throughout the world over the past couple of decades. But the virus outbreak has exacerbated long-standing problems the retailer has had with inventory control.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more