Core Viewpoint - MUJI is experiencing a store closure trend in China, attributed to operational adjustments and increased competition from local brands, leading to a decline in market share and consumer perception of high prices and low quality [4][11][14]. Group 1: Store Closures - MUJI announced the closure of its store in Beijing's Shimao Gong San mall, effective August 31, 2025, with a notice directing customers to a nearby location for returns [1][3]. - The company has closed multiple stores in 2024, including locations in Beijing, Ningbo, Shanghai, Jinan, and Changsha, indicating a significant contraction in its physical retail presence [11][14]. - As of May 2025, MUJI's net store growth has slowed, with only 16 new openings and 17 closures, marking a record high in store closures [14]. Group 2: Market Competition - The rise of local brands such as Miniso and Netease Yanxuan has intensified competition, offering similar products at significantly lower prices, often one-third to one-half of MUJI's prices [6][7]. - Miniso reported a total of 4,386 stores in mainland China by the end of 2024, showcasing its extensive reach and growth in the market [7]. Group 3: Consumer Perception - Consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with MUJI's pricing strategy, labeling it as "high price, low quality," with complaints about product quality and pricing discrepancies compared to Japan [11][13]. - A significant number of complaints have been filed against MUJI, with over 2,300 reported issues related to product quality by August 2025 [11]. Group 4: Brand Identity and Legal Issues - MUJI is facing a prolonged trademark dispute with Beijing Mian Tian Textile Co., which has affected its brand identity and market positioning in China [8][9]. - The Supreme People's Court upheld Beijing Mian Tian's rights to the "MUJI" trademark in the home textile category, complicating MUJI's branding strategy in the region [9]. Group 5: Future Outlook - Analysts suggest that MUJI must adapt its business model to focus on cost efficiency and quicker fulfillment to remain competitive in the evolving retail landscape [14]. - The company may need to shift from a "large store + heavy experience" model to a "community warehouse + fast fulfillment" approach to sustain its market presence [14].

Core Viewpoint - MUJI is experiencing a wave of store closures in China, attributed to operational adjustments and declining foot traffic in certain shopping districts, while still aiming to open around 40 new stores annually [3][4][14]. Group 1: Store Closures - MUJI announced the closure of its store in Beijing's Shimao Gong 3 mall, effective August 31, 2025, and directed customers to its nearby store for returns [1][3]. - The company has already closed other locations, including the Guorui City store in Beijing earlier this year, indicating a trend of store closures [3][14]. - As of May 2025, MUJI's store count in mainland China saw a net increase of only 16 stores while closing 17, marking a record high in closures [14]. Group 2: Market Competition - The rise of local brands such as Miniso and NetEase Yanxuan, which offer similar products at significantly lower prices (often 1/3 to 1/2 of MUJI's prices), is intensifying competition [6][7]. - Miniso reported a total of 4,386 stores in mainland China by the end of 2024, showcasing its rapid expansion and market penetration [7]. - Local brands are leveraging higher cost-performance ratios and minimalist styles to capture market share from MUJI [6]. Group 3: Consumer Sentiment - Consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with MUJI's pricing, labeling it as "high-priced and low-quality," with complaints about product quality issues [10][11]. - A significant number of complaints (over 2,300) have been recorded on consumer platforms, highlighting issues such as furniture defects and clothing quality [11]. - Despite multiple price reductions since 2014, consumers still perceive MUJI's prices as high compared to local alternatives, which has affected sales [13][14]. Group 4: Brand Identity and Legal Issues - MUJI is facing challenges related to its brand identity due to a prolonged trademark dispute with a domestic company, which has led to confusion among consumers [8]. - The Supreme People's Court upheld the trademark rights of Beijing MianTian, limiting MUJI's branding options in the home textile category, which could further dilute its market presence [8]. Group 5: Future Outlook - Industry experts suggest that MUJI must adapt its business model to focus on cost efficiency and quicker fulfillment to remain competitive in the evolving retail landscape [15]. - If MUJI fails to adjust its pricing strategy and store formats, it may continue to see a decline in store numbers and market relevance in China [15].

Core Viewpoint - MUJI is experiencing a store closure trend in China, attributed to operational adjustments and increased competition from local brands offering better price-performance ratios [1][2][3]. Group 1: Store Closures and Operational Adjustments - MUJI announced the closure of its store in Beijing's Shimao Gong 3 Mall, effective August 31, 2025, citing operational efficiency as the reason for the closure [1]. - The company maintains that it plans to open approximately 40 new stores annually, having opened 15 stores since March 1, 2025 [1]. - The closure of the Shimao Gong 3 store is not an isolated incident, as another store in Beijing's Guorui City also closed earlier in the year [1]. Group 2: Market Competition and Consumer Sentiment - The rise of local brands such as Miniso and Netease Yanxuan has intensified competition, with these brands offering similar products at significantly lower prices, often 1/3 to 1/2 of MUJI's prices [2][3]. - Consumer dissatisfaction with MUJI's pricing and perceived quality has been growing, with complaints about high prices not matching product quality [6][7]. - A notable example includes a consumer comparison where a similar scented machine costs 59 yuan from a local brand versus MUJI's price of 258 yuan [7]. Group 3: Legal Challenges and Brand Identity - MUJI has been embroiled in a long-standing trademark dispute with Beijing Cotton Field Textile Co., which has further complicated its brand identity in China [4][5]. - The Supreme People's Court upheld Beijing Cotton Field's ownership of the "MUJI" trademark for home textiles, which has led to brand confusion and diminished MUJI's unique market position [5]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Industry experts suggest that MUJI may need to adapt its business model to focus on price competitiveness and faster fulfillment to survive in the evolving retail landscape [8]. - The company may face further store closures if it does not adjust its pricing strategy and operational model to better compete with local alternatives [8].