MUJI x Bybi
In collaboration with Bybi, Boe Sallingboe and CityLawn, the Japanese lifestyle brand, MUJI, is creating a 40m2 large Nordic garden, which includes two beehives, on top of ILLUM. From the summer of 2021 the bees will produce honey, which will be sold in MUJI's flagship store on 4th floor of the iconic department store.
Since the opening of MUJI's flagship store on top of ILLUM in 2020 it has been a mission for the Japanese lifestyle brand to get involved in, and give back to, the local community. Therefore, the store has dedicated special days for local entrepreneurs and craftsmen to showcase their products and tell their stories to MUJI's customers. In the beginning of May two beehives moved into a new garden on top of ILLUM, which has been planned in collaboration with garden architect and writer Boe Sallingboe.
About the initiative Toshihiko Tanaka, Managing Director of MUJI Denmark ApS says:
"The global, as well as the local, environmental impact has always been of importance to MUJI. Whenever we enter a new market, we examine the possibilities for local activities, which positively supports the environment and contributes to the local community. We are very happy to be part of this amazing project to raise awareness of environmental issues together with ByBi, Boe Sallingboe, CityLawn and ILLUM in the heart of Copenhagen.”
The nonprofit social enterprise Bybi has existed since 2009. Today, the project has more than 150 bee colonies at 30 locations in and around Copenhagen as well as a range of activities with businesses, social projects, schools and cultural organisations. By making it intuitive to plant flowers when we eat honey, Bybi aims to contribute to a richer environment for people and pollinating insects alike.
"Honey bees are ambassadors that we meet in our streets, gardens and parks. Their honey is an invitation to plant flowers for all pollinating insects", says Oliver Maxwell, founder and CEO of Bybi
"We are excited to add two beehives to the top of ILLUM and look forward to working with the bees and the customers at ILLUM to create new, sustainable connections in our beautiful city!"
In the beginning of May, the two new beehives move into a 40m2 large garden, which will be placed on top of ILLUM. The garden will be filled with Nordic herbs and plants creating a meadow from early spring to late autumn with a few plants sending a kind nod to the Japanese roots of MUJI such as the beautiful magnolia. It will be possible to study the beehives and the garden, when visiting MUJI on the 4th floor.
"We are very proud of MUJI's approach, which not only falls in line with our wish to support the local community but also creates a new and unique experience for customers of ILLUM, who gets a chance to study the diligent bees up close and support Bybi's social work, when buying a glass of honey from MUJI's store", says Lars Møller Nielsen, Marketing Director ILLUM and adds: "The cooperation with MUJI and Bybi sustains our mission to continuously develop ILLUM as an international shopping destination within luxury retail and to be first movers in the development of extraordinary experiences and events for our visitors."
It is expected that MUJI Copenhagen Honey will be available from August 2021. The honey will be sold at MUJI's food department, which includes local - and Japanese specialties.
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