Site Visit: Muji Times Square NYC

Muji’s second store opened today at noon on the ground floor of the New York Times building on 40th and 8th Avenue in New York City. PSFK took a walk through the 4,350 square foot space early this morning as the final tweaks were being finished. Our overall impression is that the store is much more refined than the Soho sibling. Part of this comes from the fact that the architectural shell the Muji team moved into is brand new. But it didn’t come without challenges. There is really only one solid wall in the whole space. The other three are all glass facing the street or the interior courtyard of the building. This meant that all the merchandise would have to be displayed on freestanding fixtures on the floor. Rather than move a lot of large solid shelving units into the space, the design uses all glass shelving to keep the interior as transparent as possible. Natural wood is also used extensively in large chunky display tables that create a nice contrast against the glass.

The product offer is similar to Soho if a bit expanded. There was hope that this space might feature more furniture. Actually apparel that appears to be more prominent. There are display mannequins featured in the window and also several inside the store showing clothing options. The actual product count for the store will be over 1,750 household items and 420 apparel items at the opening.

The store does have good presence from the sidewalk. We spent fifteen or twenty minutes outside and much of the morning pedestrian rush looked into the space while walking by or stopped to window shop.

Muji Times Square
620 Eighth Avenue at 40th St
NYC