Japanese retailer Muji is to boost its business in Thailand through a joint venture business model.

Muji has developed a JV with local retailer Central Department Store, which is the former’s distributor in the country.

The JV is expected to lower operating costs while expanding across Thailand, says Muji.

The Japanese retailer has been operating in Thailand for six years and MD Yukinori Katagi says the company is happy with its performance in the country.

Muji will open its 12th branch at Central shopping mall in Chiang Mai in November and will renovate existing stores next year.

It says it will open at least two new stores yearly to scale up its presence in Thailand.

The competition with retailers like H&M and Uniqlo does not worry Muji as it is confident that it stands out from the rest due to its wide range of products offered.