Tokyo’s businesses were all finally allowed to reopen last week, but many of us still prefer a quick trip to the local convenience store over a big shopping spree in central Tokyo. To adjust to this new shopping trend, Japanese retailer Muji, best known for its clean and functional designs, has teamed up with major konbini chain Lawson for a trial project of selling a selection of their products at Lawson stores.
For the next three months, you will find about 500 Muji products on Lawson shelves, including underwear, socks, cosmetics, stationary and even pre-packaged microwavable curry.
Currently, the Muji items are only available at three directly-managed Lawson stores in Tokyo – Lawson Kugahara Itchome in Ota ward, Lawson Shinjuku Wakamatsucho in Shinjuku ward and Lawson Minamisuna Nichome in Koto ward. But Muji parent company Ryohin Keikaku has announced it is considering developing products jointly with the convenience store giant in the future.
Previously, Muji sold a variety of its products at Lawson rival Family Mart, but that collaboration ended in January 2019 as the konbini chain started to expand its own house brand range.
For advice on how to go out safely in Tokyo, or anywhere for that matter, visit here.
New openings
No Swedish meatballs: Ikea Harajuku's cafe menu is all about flatbread
The new, interactive Play Museum in Tokyo turns art into a playground
Osaka is now home to the world’s first Louis Vuitton restaurant and café
The world’s first Gap store with a café has opened in Tokyo
A new Uniqlo Tokyo global flagship store has opened in Ginza