Kim G.
Yelp
Stayed away for as long as I could because I knew I'd have no will power. I was right! This store speaks to me! Living in a condo with little storage, the design of their bath, closet, kitchen items is ideal. Simple, streamlined and stylish.
Upon entering, you are immediately immersed in their Zen environment with wooden beams, white industrial ceiling, neutral colors of cream, gray, navy surrounding you. To the left is the office area where you are encouraged to try out the pens and stamps; journals and writing tablets everywhere, even hanging from the ceiling. I bought a narrow gray case to keep my iPad and Samsung cords and chargers; for $5 it makes my life so much easier.
The closet area contains cloth and wire baskets of all sizes, hangers, hooks and more. They were having a sale on their cleaning system which consists of a pole that extends with different attachments - a squeegee, mop, scrub brush, swifter type sponge - and you could buy any three for $10. That was the first item to go in my basket! Genius.
The bath and bed area had lotions, soaps and cleansers all in neutral colors, bed linens and towels, and items I didn't think I needed until I saw them! They had a small, tiny single toothbrush holder. Took up only the space required to balance the toothbrush. That in a nutshell is MUJI. I passed on that item because I don't like anything on my bath vanity, choosing for sanitary reasons to keep my toothbrush in the drawer, but I still thought it was genius.
They had a small section of Japanese treats and since I'm a marshmallow junkie, I had to buy a bag of tiny marshmallows. They had strawberry and chocolate flavors, even though they are white, but I stuck with vanilla. They have some of Japanese milk breaks, chocolate covered Cheetos (which I was too afraid to try) and a variety of crackers. Plus a coffee and tea bar.
The clothing is very neutral, monochromatic, boxy and gender neutral. Mens, women's, kids, it all looked the same. The manager told me they recently changed the sizing to match US rather than the presumed smaller Japanese sizes. But since the clothing is so boxy, you can easily size down. Tried in a long denim jacket and I was swimming in the a Small. They do alterations on site; $5 to hem.
Make sure to check out the travel accessory wall for neck snuggies, cord holders, bags of every size, travel size lotion bottles and cases - all in navy, black or cream.
Oh, and they even have a room filled with houseplants that adds to that Zen feel. Customer service was great. One of the items I wanted was not available so he sold me the floor sample and gave me a discount without me asking or even wanting.
Just wish there was parking by the store since downtown is sometimes a bit seedy to walk through. And I live there! MUJI is located in the Meyer and Frank building on SW 5th which doesn't allow street parking. I was there on a Sunday so it was easy to get a spot 2 blocks away, but during the week it would be challenging.
Haven't shopped in a store like this since I was in a Japan, and also when I am in Hawaii. MUJI is a great addition to Portland and based on the crowd that was there late in a Sunday, I think they are here to stay.