We took a family field trip to Daiso this weekend. We have been to stores in other cities, so we…read moreknew what to expect: colorful and enticing products that you never knew you needed but can't imagine leaving the store without: stationary, toys, toiletries, dishes, bakeware, and supplies for fishing, pets, babies, cleaning, and gardening. Also gift wrap, seasonal, socks, bags, ramen, pocky, shrimp chips, coffee candies, tea, and accessories for every single area of life.
There is ongoing pleasant and upbeat music playing in the store advertising Daiso. It was not too distracting and added to the bright joyful ambiance of the store. Store aisles were bright, clean, and wide enough for customers to pass each other. There are three types of shopping "cart" options. I recommend you thinking about how much you're willing to spend and select accordingly from standard shopping basket, larger wheeled basket, or shopping cart. I promise--whatever size you get-it will be easy to fill it.
We gave each of our kids $20 that they could spend as they wanted, but not go over. We especially liked the added challenge that Daiso has, as everything is priced in Japanese Yen. Until you get used to the conversion, you can refer to the charts that Daiso places at regular intervals throughout the store. We encouraged our kids to walk the whole store first to figure out what they might want to spend their money on. My older kid did this, but the younger just started grabbing until her basket was full. Next came the difficult choice of what items she wanted to keep that she could afford, taking into consideration tax. Once that was done, we had the joy of re-walking the store to put back all the items we were no longer going to purchase.
It is amazing, after that experience, how Daiso's shelves are as tidy as they are. I can see folks changing their mind about items that they grabbed and just dumping them where they are. No--in our many walks of all the aisles, I maybe saw one thing out of place.
As we went to check out, we chose to be helped by a cashier instead of using self check out--to give our kids the full experience. We were helped by a very friendly and patient employee named Karen. Before we walked up, she was taking time organizing items behind the register. Karen was very kind to my kids, and she was an absolute pro at packing our items in the bag we purchased. I was certain we'd need more than one, but she used her skills to make everything fit.
I'm really glad there isn't a Daiso in my hometown. I don't know if I could avoid stopping by on a regular basis. But I'm even more glad there is now one within a reasonable distance from where I live. I took notes of all those accessories that I absolutely need, but didn't make the cut this time. They'll be on the top of my list when I return.
