The European branch of Japanese clothing and homeware retailer, Muji, is preparing to appoint administrators in another worrying sign for the UK’s struggling high street.
A spokesperson for the company, which has six stores in London and one in Birmingham, said this action is part of a “planned strategic restructuring of the business”. They expect to reach an agreement soon.
The company emphasised that this process will not immediately affect the shops, employees, or the overall operation of the chain.
“For Muji’s colleagues and customers in Europe it is business as usual. All stores and e-commerce will continue to operate as before, and all new and outstanding orders will be fulfilled,” the company stated.
Muji, launched in Japan in 1980, offers a range of products including clothes, stationery, homeware, beauty items, and pantry essentials. The brand is recognised for its focus on simple and functional goods inspired by Japanese design.
It also has stores across mainland Europe and the Nordics.
This news follows difficulties faced by several well-known high street retailers. In February, The Body Shop announced it was calling in administrators and subsequently revealed plans to close nearly half of its UK stores.
Earlier this month, the company behind fashion brand Ted Baker appointed administrators, putting hundreds of jobs at risk across its 46 UK stores.
The well-known collapse of the historic chain Wilko last year resulted in the closure of its 400 shops and nearly all of its 12,500 workers losing their jobs.
