Japanese household goods chain Ryohin Keikaku Co Ltd (Muji) has proposed a move into single brand retail which will involve the sales of cosmetics and has filed an application with the department of industrial policy and promotion.

Muji, which has 700 stores across Japan, Asia, Europe, the US and Australia, has proposed to “manufacture and sell various garments, furniture, household goods, cosmetics, stationery and other Muji brands” according to the application.

Ryohin Keikaku announced a joint venture with Reliance Brands earlier this year to open standalone stores that will sell a range of products such as beauty products, clothing for men and women, furniture, kitchen tools, and stationary. According to the agreement Ryohin Keikaku will hold a majority share and the stores will range in size from 6,000-10,000 sq. ft., across major cities.

The application follows a recent clarification issued by the government that single brand retailers would be allowed to operate their own outlets, franchise and wholesale stores.

Other household names have made applications following the clarification, such as Nike, H&M and Swarovski, with the biggest single-brand retail proposal cleared by the government coming from Ikea. The company will invest Rs 10,500 crore to open 25 stores in India in the next 10 years.