The Japanese retailer will open at Victoria's Mayfair Shopping Centre, simultaneously launching MUJI Community Collective: an initiative dedicated to spotlighting local businesses and organizations

VICTORIA, BC, Oct. 20, 2026 /CNW/ -- This week, Japanese retailer MUJI will open its doors for the first time on Vancouver Island, marking a meaningful milestone in the brand's growth across Canada. Located at Mayfair Shopping Centre in Victoria, BC, this is MUJI's fifth store in British Columbia, deepening its presence in the province and country. The Victoria opening also marks the launch of the MUJI Community Collective, a new community- powered initiative. Rooted in MUJI's Japanese philosophy of intentional everyday living, it's a commitment to celebrate the local businesses, people, and communities that MUJI becomes a part of.

Introducing MUJI Community Collective: Celebrating Victoria, Together

Founded on the philosophy of simplicity, quality, and the beauty of everyday life, this spirit of intentionality shapes how MUJI approaches community engagement and festivity. For example, MUJI's Community Marketplace initiative, a global pop-up event series created to support local makers and businesses, means MUJI stores frequently welcome and spotlight local partners to reach new audiences and potential customers.

As MUJI prepares to expand across Canada, it wanted to take this philosophy a step further. The result is the MUJI Community Collective: a new approach to store openings that flips the traditional retail playbook. Rather than asking Victoria to celebrate MUJI's arrival, MUJI wants to celebrate the community it is joining by taking the time to connect with and spotlight the businesses and organizations that already make Victoria special.

"MUJI is rooted in our Japanese heritage of simplicity, quality, thoughtful design, and products that make everyday life better," said Richard Rappaport, President of MUJI North America. "As we continue to grow in Canada, we are excited to bring that philosophy to more customers while building meaningful connections with the communities we serve. Victoria is an important next step in that journey. With our first store on Vancouver Island, we look forward to introducing more customers to MUJI while also celebrating the local businesses, organizations, and people that make Victoria unique. As MUJI grows in Canada, we will remain true to our Japanese roots while creating stores that feel relevant, welcoming, and connected to the communities they serve."

Here's how the MUJI Community Collective works: ahead of its opening, MUJI invited Victoria residents to nominate the local businesses they love most. Following an outpour of community pride, MUJI connected with these neighbourhood favourites to become part of its grand opening celebrations. Meanwhile, MUJI works with each partner to introduce them to the broader MUJI community, spotlighting their work with new audiences. These are the everyday places and people that give Victoria its character, and MUJI is proud to help share their stories.

The partnerships forged through the MUJI Community Collective will extend beyond opening weekend, creating ongoing connections between MUJI Mayfair and the fabric of local Victoria life. The initiative will anchor future MUJI store openings across Canada, bringing the same community-first spirit to every new city MUJI calls home.

MUJI Mayfair

The MUJI store is located at Mayfair Shopping Centre, Victoria's leading fashion focused shopping destination, home to a mix of national and regional retailers. The 3,379-square-foot retail space will feature MUJI's classic marketplace layout for easy navigation and carry MUJI Canada's full range of products from kitchen and home goods to apparel basics, stationery, travel items, and more. Its grand opening weekend will take place on October 24 and 25 and will include a range of giveaways and activities for attendees as well as feature treats and prizes from local community partners.

The Mayfair location represents MUJI's third store opening in Canada within the last year, demonstrating the brand's commitment to strategic growth across the country meanwhile deepening its commitment to community-rooted retail experiences.

To learn more about the grand opening and to sign up for the event, visit mujimayfairgrandopening.eventbrite.ca.

About MUJI

Established in Japan in 1980, MUJI is a global retailer of high-quality, simple products across categories – from homewares to fashion to wellness and more –  that provide satisfying, expertly-designed solutions for everyday needs. It has steadily grown as the go-to brand for millions of loyal customers in 30+ countries and 7,000+ products. MUJI's full name, Mujirushi Ryohin, loosely translates to "No-Brand, Quality Goods", underscoring its enduring commitment to modesty, affordability, and quality.

For more information about MUJI Canada, visit muji.ca.

SOURCE MUJI Canada