Japanese retailer eyes Dubai, Kuwait launches

Japanese home and lifestyle retailer MUJI has announced plans to open its first stores in the Gulf region in 2013.

The retailer, known for its non-branded products, designs, and clothing, has announced the opening of stores in several Middle East locations starting with Kuwait and Dubai.

The shops will offer MUJI’s furniture and household items that the company is known for in Japan.

The expansion into the Middle East is part of an agreement between MUJI’s parent company, Ryohin Keikaku Co and Alshaya, the Kuwait-based franchiser.

The first store will open in January in Kuwait at the Grand Avenue, The Avenues, and will be followed in the spring at The Dubai Mall.

The name MUJI is derived from the full Japanese title Mujirushi Ryohin, which translates to "no label quality goods".

It sells more than 7,500 products across furniture and storage to clothing, stationary, and gifts.

International retail outlets as of December include the UK, mainland Europe, Turkey, the US, Hong Kong, South Korea, China and the Philippines.