Working from home, but no furniture? MUJI subscription’s got you covered

MUJI has launched a monthly furniture subscription service that allows customers to rent basic furniture such as beds, desks and chairs at affordable prices. This service is available at 182 MUJI stores nationwide.

A sharing economy for furniture

Sharing economy is one that is constantly evolving, often synonymous with the current demand in the market. The pandemic has changed the way we work today. Working from home has become the new demand and attitude of consumers. A comfortable working environment is a priority that is difficult to achieve, especially in limited spacing.

In response to that, MUJI launched the first furniture subscription plan in July 2020. It offered six pieces of furniture as a set for an affordable monthly rate. Despite being well-received, there was still room for improvement. For example, there was a rising demand for the rental of individual pieces of furniture over sets. The plan was revised to the current monthly furniture subscription service that allows customers to choose their products, quantity, and duration according to their needs.

Personal and environmental benefits

Unlike traditional furniture ownership, renting has lesser commitment. It alters one’s convenience and mobility. One does not have to incur a hefty expense during a move, and can easily and affordably move to a new space. Not only is renting a cost-effective option, but it is also good for the environment.

More often than not, we purchase mass-produced furniture which has a short lifespan. These quickly end up as trash during each move, worsening the world’s waste problem. Renting manages that problem. Once a subscription is over, customers can choose to extend their plan or purchase the furniture should they choose. Customers who decide to end their subscription will have their furniture returned, checked and maintained before being offered for rental again. This circular model continues until the furniture is classified to be put up for sale as second-hand furniture.

The effects of the pandemic and the unpredictability that comes along, help us to understand the importance of adaptability. The furniture industry is slowly moving away from its straightforward business model and embracing the sharing economic system with sustainability.