The Misconceptions of Marie Kondo’s Online Store
I still remember the first time I stumbled upon Marie Kondo’s book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” It was during a chaotic move to a smaller apartment with my family, and I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff I owned. Skeptical at first, I decided to give her philosophy a try, and by the end of the four-hour audiobook, I had already donated several bags of clothes and was hooked.
Respecting Possessions, Letting Go with Gratitude
Marie Kondo’s approach to tidying is centered around respecting the items we own, letting them go with equal respect, and working towards our personal ideal lifestyle with mindfulness. This philosophy has resonated with millions of people worldwide, including myself.
The Launch of KonMari’s Online Store
When Marie Kondo announced the launch of her online store, many critics felt that it was a contradiction to her decluttering message. However, I wasn’t surprised by the move. As a businesswoman with a massive following, it seemed like a natural progression to offer physical products that align with her philosophy.
The Products: A Mix of Practicality and Aesthetics
The online store features a range of products, from practical items like soap dishes and reusable cotton rounds to more esoteric items like balance gem water bottles and aluminum tuning forks with crystals. While some critics have focused on the more expensive, aesthetic pieces, many of the products are reasonably priced and usable.
The Criticism: Unbalanced and Misinformed
Many articles, including one in The Atlantic, have sensationalized the expensive items and neglected to mention the lower-priced options. This criticism feels unbalanced, especially when compared to other lifestyle brands like Goop, which sells products that can cost upwards of $3,490.
The Importance of Cultural Context
Marie Kondo’s philosophy is deeply rooted in Shintoism, a Japanese religion that emphasizes the importance of respecting and honoring possessions. To dismiss her approach as “woo-woo” or nonsense without understanding its cultural context seems ignorant and even racist.
A Reasonable Business Move
In the end, I believe Marie Kondo’s decision to launch an online store was a reasonable business move. As a businessperson with a substantial following, she is simply expanding her brand to offer products that align with her philosophy. Consumers can choose for themselves what to purchase, and the online store is just one more way for people to engage with the KonMari brand.
The Joy of Consumerism
As Rachel Metz from CNN Business wrote, “There is joy in consumerism, and Kondo is clearly embracing that, too.” While organization and tidying have their time and place, sometimes the best way to spark joy is by buying things that bring us happiness and fulfillment.
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