StyleSpy with Katrina Szish

On Friday, November 16th at high noon (seriously), Japanese housewares/lifewares company MUJI will open the doors of its New York City flagship, their first freestanding store in the United States.

The New York City flagship, ready to be unveiled

The minimal, no-frills brand was born in Japan in 1980, but I met and fell in love with Muji in Paris in 2001.  Sleek, well-made, intelligent design that is also inexpensive?  Sign me up! With every trip I made to Europe, I would seek out a shop and stock up on porcelain serving pieces, socks and make-up bags.  I was most smitten by the industrial-sized lint rollers, the precious refills for which I would hoard until my next trip abroad.

Porcelain Salt & Pepper shakers, $11 for the set

My desire was slightly sated several years ago when the MoMA Design Store began carrying a capsule collection (mostly office and travel supplies) of Muji goods.  But where was the perfect porcelain?  The sheets and towels?  My coveted lint rollers???

The Soho store, 455 Broadway between Grand and Howard, will carry over 2,000 items in its 3,200 square foot space: furniture, stationery, housewares, fabric, outdoor supplies, health and beauty products, electric appliances and clothing.  I have a good feeling about the lint rollers. 

Inside the Tokyo flagship store

Ash bed frame, $556.75 for full/queen

Besides offering great design and great prices, Muji is also dedicated to reducing waste and conserving resources.  Upon opening, the shop will launch the "My Bag" program: Shoppers who re-use their canvas Muji bags will receive discounts and rewards.  At the store opening, the first 500 customers will score a free "My Bag" along with a Muji gift.  If you miss the opening giveaway, you can still shop smart and earn rewards -- the "My Bag" sells for $1.

So shop your heart out without wiping out your wallet or the environment.

Just don't hog the lint rollers...