I do not know of anywhere in Adelaide that you can buy something awesome for $2.80 anymore except…read morefor Kawaii. You ask why not just make it a $2 shop and return to the 90's prices of $2 everything in store? Well not even Cheap As Chips can do merch at $2 anymore and these guys had to have a point of difference right? Oh yes and I should also pre-warn you the name of this store is incredibly deceiving...unless you consider tupperware, nail polish, baskets, costumes and bath sponges as fashion items this place does not live up to its name. The other deception? Not EVERYTHING in the store is $2.80. Luckily when I walked in I walked into the left hand side of the store (which is the $2.80 part of the store). The right hand side of the store has any product costing above $2.80 in it! So if you are looking for kawaii costumes and random storage crap and beauty related items that you can't read the ingredients of then this place is for you. Just keep in mind the tips to getting around Kawaii so you don't get caught out when in store!

This is my favourite shop in Adelaide to browse and buy Asian skin care, cosmetics and toiletry…read moreitems! One half of this store is devoted to a wide range of these products - though there is often a high mark up - the other stocks a wide range of bargain knick knacks, each selling for $2.80. (The $2.80 side is much like a mini version of Japanese discount chain Daiso!) Customer service is hit and miss - sometimes it's terrible but the last time I was there the sales assistant was extremely helpful! An interesting store worth checking out at least once, even if you're not into this kind of stuff!

More than just souvenirs (although they do have plenty o' those too) Adelaide City Discounts is a…read moregeneral cheap crap (used endearingly) store. It's much bigger inside than it appears from the street, wrapping behind Breadtop in an 'L' shape with another entrance into the Southern Cross Arcade. Pick up a cheap lunch and make an outing of it! It's a standout destination for budget seasonal stuff: costumes, part supplies, decorations etc. And they also have plenty of other stuff, Cheapo tools, economical stationary, low cost-luggage... Tends to have lower prices than Cheap as Chips downstairs, so check this place first.

This shop is less mainstream than its on par/ equivalents, but is actually a really good…read morealternative to stores such as Cheap As Chips or The Reject Shop. I have actually found things for less here than at the closely located Cheap As Chips, which is pretty much directly (underneath) next door. If that's even possible! Their competitively cheap prices came as a slight surprise because the store lacks the "Walmart Syndrome"- a reference that makes greater sense for those of you who watch South Park. It is slightly refreshing not to shop somewhere that is a massive chain with bulk-like slim prices! Underdogs all the way. Oh yeah, expect anything and everything in here. A twenty dollar note will get you a long way!

Definitely stop off here for winter supplies! So many fluffy socks and dressing gowns and hoodies…read moreand fluffy PJ pants - this really is the perfect place to come and prepare for hibernation. (Plus it's right next to Cheap as Chips so you can stock up on junk food and tinned soup too) You will also find some regular "going out in public" kinds of clothes here too. All of it tends to be on the cheaper end of the scale and there are plenty of wardrobe basics such as leggings, track pants, plain socks and T-shirts. But you can also find some really cool stuff that you just wouldn't see anywhere else. As the name suggests, this is not high fashion, and the store reflects that. The venue is underground and very little has been done in the way of decorating. It is not a place for the claustrophobic shopper. However, prices are cheap, there is a lot to choose from and the owners have never judged me for buying 16 pairs of bed socks at once.

Cheap as Chips 2.0, or it may be the other way around, I'm not sure, but it's essentially the same…read more Plenty of bric-a-brac and cheap bits and pieces. The perfect place to get gifts for your loved ones (Insert sarcasm here). But really, it is a handy store to have in the mall, not as frustrating to get to as the Cheap as Chips out yonder. I find myself going there to buy wrapping paper or sticky tape or the kinds of things that don't NEED to be of superior quality. The staff are no doubt in borderline slave labor. Please be forgiving if they do not have those fake cheery retail smiles you have come to love from other stores. Cheap products, and cheap service, but that is to be expected.

22/12/2011 1 photo This afternoon, I spent it Yelping and…read moreshopping with my best friend and overall, had a pretty good day catching up with her. It was fast approaching 5pm, when I suddenly remembered one last thing! Zing! I told my best friend that I needed one more thing before I went home. I told her: "Xmas shopping makes me go nuts sometimes! Figuring out what to get my loved ones is half the battle, and then having to find a shop that actually sells decent wrapping paper!!" My best friend resorted to taking me to this store and she found for me a nice Xmas box for only $2. She said after with a very serious expression, "The Reject Shop never fails. You don't need to buy much this Xmas, or need expensive wrapping paper." (Note that because I only had notes, when I opened up my wallet, my countless 5cents coins flew up in the air, and all over the ground. How embarassing! It had to happen in the Reject shop, out of all stores! Luckily my best friend helped with the picking up of all my silver Aussie coins and we recovered quickly!) I gave this store an extra star, because from time to time I do find this store useful when running low on funds. As self-confident and highly independent as I am, we can all benefit big time with the extra wisdom, support and help from our best friends, especially over this Xmas holiday season, when most of us have hit hard financial times. Remember that.

Yes the rumours are true. If you were at the opening of The Market Shed last Sunday you too…read moreprobably would have seen me walking around like a pug in a bacon shop. Wide eyed, unable to breath properly from heart palpitations because "can't talk...too excited..." This place has gathered everything I love about Adelaide and plonked it into the trendiest warehouse shed thing at the back of IGA on Gilbert St. It's even run by the same SA family! Every Sunday from 9am-2pm this shed will open its doors to stallholders who want to sell their wares. From bakers to vegan cafes, coffee shops, seedling stalls and more this little collective of organic, vegan, raw and healthy food is all a bit too much for me. Want to try some kombucha? Hells yeah! How about a freshly steamed mussel from the coast of SA? Ok! It's like a farmers market but smaller, less crowded (not for long I'm sure) and is 5 minutes from my home so wins 5 stars in my books. So why only 4 stars then? I do think there needs to be more fresh fruit and veg options and a bit more diversity in stalls for people like me who want to do their week's shop here (ie. 3 bakeries in the one small location is a bit much). I am officially signed up as a Market Member already and for $20 per annum you get invited to private events at The Shed, receive discounts at stalls and a cool chopping board for progressive tasting plate specials from stalls each weekend. So if you have nothing to do next Sunday and want to see a spectacle, come on down to the Market Shed to see your resident pug faced, over excited local shopping, slurping coffee and getting her organic on.

I may be accused of being biased but I was very impressed with the owners, organisers &…read morestall-holders of The Market Shed on Holland. There in only it's third market I found a variety of stalls & very enthusiastic producers - all of whom were willing to spend the time with every customer. A face-painter (only $3!) and musos at each corner of the space added to the enthusiastic vibe - tangible despite a couple of summer showers that may have kept larger hoardes of customers away. Despite it's small(er) size (of comparative markets such as the Adelaide Farmers Showgrounds Market) of 20-30 stalls, the array of stalls and the promises of more to come (think weekend evening members activities) have got my vote. Visit during 2013 to become a member for an amazing introductory price of $20 & support Adelaide's newest market with an organic, artisan & community focus!

This store is mental. What is it? Where did it come from? Why?…read more I have actually never heard of this chain before, but apparently it is all the buzz overseas. There are a crazy amount of stores all over asia and now they are branching overseas. It has Chinese origin and is jam packed full of stuff. Yes, stuff. Lot's of stuff. I don't know where to begin? Stationary, mugs, slippers, bags, pillows, toys, scented sticks, jars, things... things.. and some stuff. There is also a whole section devoted to gigantic toys. You know the ones that you see at the Royal Show for prizes when you win alley games. Those ones. I think if you are looking for cool little jars and storage containers you might like a few things here. But, otherwise just be prepared to be overwhelmed with things. Actually, I know who will love this store. High school students. This is a store for kids that want cute little toys to hang off their school bags, cool stationary and shiny objects to decorate their rooms. Don't get me wrong, there are some cute things here. Like a whole lot of cute stationary items. Loved the note pads and pens. But then I saw a flower bouquet of rabbits and teddy bears. I mean, who wants that? But, in all honesty, you should probably go have a look. It's not like any other store in Adelaide.

Not a bad range, its title is clearly describing the product prices in store and most products for…read moresale are actually of a reasonable quality and range. If you are looking for storage alternatives, stationary, fake plants, cushions, pet stuff, garden, craft and food items, that you don't mind is slightly kitsch, then this is the place to come. It is less suitable for photo frames, toys, costumes and party decorations, and the random crap you don't need like a didgeridoo pepper grinder and lets face it folks, that's why we all go into these stores. I always make this my first point of call in town for a bargain product that will last at lease year or two.

Cheap as Chips' strengths are their pet, auto, garden and craft sections. They have more of a range…read morein these areas than the other bargain stores. They also compete well in food and toiletries with the Reject Shop.

I am always amazed as to how discount stores can fit so much variety of stock into one dingy little…read moreshed like location and yet still charge half the price of normal retail. Even if not all the stock are on the shelves, there is a ridiculously good variety for such a tiny store. Even the big $2 shops don't carry as much variety in home and garden with garden twisty ties, bike lights, party wares, an isle of Australiana themed adornments and a cheap art materials. Service is friendly without being persistent, and they'll often bargain or throw extra things into the bag with you if you're willing to get your bartering shoes on. With easy parking and an incredible range here, you can get it "cheap enough" to warrant a visit on any day of the week. BIGGEST DOWNFALL? These guys can't do refunds "unless the manager of the shop is around." When will the manager be back? "Oh well you know, he comes in and out, we never really know when he'll be in, he's only around once a week or so." ie. They don't do refunds or exchange so make sure you definitely need what you are buying.

This isn't my favourite cheap store in the area - that would be Super Dollar Variety - but it's…read morepretty good. It has a medium-sized range of home wares, decorations, kitchen ware, garden tools, toys, toiletries, hardware and clothes. The prices are cheap - obviously. While there isn't a huge range here, they do carry a few things I haven't seen at Super Dollar Variety. Last winter they had a great range of coloured socks, beanies and fingerless gloves for very cheap. Their garden stuff isn't bad either - a few months ago I bought some seeds from here that have just yielded a little crop of fresh peas. My favourite thing to pick up here though is fluroescent paint. That might be a bit obscure, but they have the most amazing coloured flurorescent paint at Get It Cheap!

So, most of us don't like to admit it, but stores like Browse & Save are great to get a bargain…read more This store has it's place for certain items and it does suit people who need to shop on a budget. But, I do stop in there every now and then to purchase a few items. This is my one stop shop for: Boxes - There are so many boxes here. Whether you want a plastic storage box or a cardboard gift box, you will find it here cheap. Canvas' - I like to paint. So, when I need a good cheap canvas, I find them at stores like this. But, I usually buy the paint from Arts & Craft stores. They are better quality elsewhere. However, the paints here are great for kids if you don't care as much about quality. Party supplies - napkins, plastic plates, streamers, balloons, wrapping paper, straws, etc... Yup, they have everything here and cheap. Be mindful. The quality of a lot of products here is not the best. But, I guess it depends what you are shopping for. For the cheap party stuff, quality isn't a major deal for me. But for things like toys, frames or kitchen supplies, I would shop elsewhere.