In the late 1980s Bonnie Mackay first discovered the Japanese brand MUJI in Glasgow, Scotland. Roughly translated to mean “no brand, quality goods,” Bonnie was initially impressed by the product line’s clean design, straightforward functionality, simplicity in materials and color palette, and low prices.
On her first trip to Japan for MoMA, Mackay brought MoMA curator Matilde McQuaid to meet with MUJI. Recognizing the perfect fit with MoMA’s design aesthetic and the unique opportunity of introducing MUJI to the U.S., Bonnie initiated a business relationship.
In 2002 MoMA Retail launched a carefully edited selection of MUJI products on five cube displays at the MoMA Design Store. Within two years the collection grew to become the MUJI at MoMA collection featured in all Retail channels and in two MoMA Store shop-in-shops. MUJI remains a significant revenue driver for MoMA, and the collection’s success prompted MUJI to launch its own standalone stores and e-commerce business in the U.S.
In 2002 MoMA Retail launched a carefully edited selection of MUJI products on five cube displays at the MoMA Design Store. Within two years the collection grew to become the MUJI at MoMA collection featured in all Retail channels and in two MoMA Store shop-in-shops. The collection’s success at MoMA prompted MUJI to launch its own standalone stores and e-commerce business in the U.S.