Muji’s “Mottainai Market” begins today across 17 stores

Muji Ryohin, the globally recognized Japanese retailer, will introduce its “Mottainai Market” in 17 of its large stores nationwide starting from September 4th, in anticipation of the SDGs week later in the month.

This initiative showcases Muji’s commitment to ethical quality, and its mission to provide affordable and indispensable products and services. But it goes beyond mere corporate responsibility. With a consistent drive to enhance its Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) perspective, Muji embarks on a journey to use resources judiciously.

What exactly is the “Mottainai Market”? Picture products that were overlooked, ones that couldn’t make their way to customers due to minor defects or because they were returned. Instead of discarding them, Muji offers these at discounted prices. Each store might surprise you with a unique selection, from stacking shelves to folding chairs—functional, essential, yet underrated.

But furniture is only the tip of the iceberg. This market will feature recycled wool-blend garments for children and babies under their ReMUJI line. These sweaters come with a story, crafted from the threads of previously discarded wool products.

And as for those clothes with seemingly insignificant defects from production? They find new life with patches—elevating them to both a symbol of sustainability and a fashion statement.

In addition, the campaign is set to feature toothbrush stands, ones that barely missed their stringent quality checks, repurposed with a mark and refired to be as good as new. Dishes, too, with minor discrepancies will be offered at unmatched prices, turning their imperfections into badges of honor in the battle against waste.

The agenda for mid-September promises more. There’s buzz about the release of B-grade “Right-Angle Socks,” which, despite their negligible flaws, make a firm stand against wastefulness.

However, consumers should note that the mottainai philosophy also extends to inventory—once stock runs out, that’s it. A poignant reminder in our era of overproduction.