Cafe concept a huge boost for Muji Singapore

The recently opened cafe inside the Muji Singapore store on Orchard Rd has had a huge impact on the store’s overall trading.

In an extensive feature written by the Straits Times and published online by Asia One, which details the trend of merging dining with traditional retail offers, Muji Singapore GM Jasmine Sng has revealed the store’s sales have increased 40 per cent since the cafe began trading.

“Customer traffic has increased. The cafe draws customers to the store and, after a meal, they usually shop at the retail section too.”

The 122 sqm Muji cafe opened in early September as part of an expansion and renovation of the Japanese lifestyle department store in the Paragon shopping centre.

The brand operates its Cafe&Meal dining concept in 23 stores in Japan as well as in Chengdu, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

The Cafe&Meal concept is described as “minimalist chic” (much like a lot of Muji’ anti-brand product range) featuring simple natural wood furniture in a plain, modern backdrop fitout.

The menu will feature Japanese deli-style foods using locally-sourced ingredients, with a broad range of desserts.

Customer Diana Low, 35, who visits a Muji outlet at least once every two weeks, told the Straits Timesthat Cafe&Meal has created a better shopping experience at Muji.

“It completes the lifestyle concept of Muji and makes me want to linger longer in the store and spend more,” she said.

Muji is just one of a growing number of stores adding a food and beverage offer to their retail space to enhance dwell time, broaden their product offer and to provide an in-store experience which cannot be replicated online.