NEW YORK (Kyodo) Can a Japanese retailer selling furniture, household items and stationery compete in the $4.2 trillion U.S. retail industry against the likes of corporate giants like Target and Ikea?

The president of Muji U.S.A. Ltd., which will open its U.S. flagship store in Manhattan's Times Square next month, believes the company can.

"I want Muji products to become part of the lives of Americans of all backgrounds," said Hiroyoshi Azami, president of Muji U.S.A.