Kuwait, 26 March 2012: M.H. Alshaya Co., the leading international retail franchise operator, is pleased to announce that it has signed an exclusive franchise partnership agreement to bring Muji, the household and lifestyle brand, to the Middle East. The partnership was confirmed this week at a signing ceremony held in Kuwait between Mr Tadamitsu Matsui, Chairman of Muji's parent company Ryōhin Keikaku Co. Ltd and Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya. The first Muji store is expected to open in 2012.
Muji (Mujirushi Ryōhin) is a Japanese retailer that sells a wide variety of household and consumer goods including clothes, home furnishings, cosmetics, travel accessories, stationery and gift items.
In Japanese, Mujirushi means 'no brand' and 'Ryōhin' means good quality, and Muji is characterised by its design simplicity and minimal packaging. With nearly 500 stores across Japan, Asia, Europe and the USA, Muji has achieved global recognition for its concept which is achieved through a complexity of thought and design.
Commenting on the new partnership, Muji's Chairman, Mr Tadamitsu Matsui said: "We are delighted to be partnering with the Middle East's leading retail franchiser to bring Muji to new consumers in the Middle East. Muji's strength lies in its combination of great design and a wide range of great value products and we look forward to introducing the Muji experience to the region."
Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M.H. Alshaya Co added: "Muji is an iconic retail brand that has global appeal for its innovative store concept and product range. We believe its unique proposition will have strong customer appeal here in the Middle East and look forward to opening the first store at The Avenues in Kuwait later this year."
About Muji
Muji (Mujirushi Ryōhin) is a Japanese retailer that sells a wide variety of household and consumer goods including clothes, home furnishings, cosmetics, travel accessories, stationary and gift items. It sells more than 7,000 products and operates stores in Asia, Europe, and the USA Muji's parent company, Ryōhin Keikaku Co. Ltd is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company employs over 4,500 staff.
About M.H. Alshaya Co.
M.H. Alshaya Co. is a leading international franchise operator for over 55 of the world's most recognised retail brands, including Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, American Eagle, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, P.F. Chang's, Office Depot and Boots. The company operates more than 2,200 stores across 7 divisions: Fashion & Footwear, Health & Beauty, Food Services, Optics, Pharmaceuticals, Office Supplies and Home Furnishings. Alshaya's stores can currently be found in 19 markets across the Middle East and North Africa, Russia, Turkey and Europe. It employs more than 28,000 people from over 90 nationalities.
The company has established itself as the industry leader across these territories through a combination of local market understanding and a comprehensive commitment to customer service. Growth in each of its operating divisions and brands is supported by continuous investment in talent and infrastructure. It applies best practices in retail operations, merchandising, marketing, information technology, logistics, real estate, human resources and financial controls.
M.H. Alshaya Co. is the retail business of the Alshaya Group, which was founded in Kuwait in 1890 and today represents one of the most dynamic companies in the Middle East. In addition to its retail operations, the Alshaya Group is active in a number of other sectors including real estate, automotive, hotels, trading and investments. Learn more about the company at www.alshaya.com.
© Press Release 2012
