Stretching your dollars at Daiso

In the United States, so-called “dollar stores” are often derided for any of a number of reasons–they’re frequently poorly stocked and organized, usually in various states of disarray, often carry merchandise of subpar quality or of dubious origin, and, probably worst of all, are frequently criticized as predatory (or even perhaps dangerous) to rural or impoverished communities.¹Conservatives like to call these criticisms “elitist,” arguing that dollar stores provide much-needed retail to people who need it, despite growing evidence that these monolithic companies’ buying power simply cannot be competed with at a micro/local level.

While I agree with most of these criticisms, I also believe that the dollar store does offer some benefits (…if, that is, you aren’t forced to make it your primary shopping destination). For example, it can be a great source for items that are frequently overpriced at other stores²If you ever find yourself in need of a couple of manila envelopes or bubble mailers, Dollar Tree beats Staples or Walmart every time., brand-name products are often on the shelf right alongside no-name competitors, and it can be incredibly convenient when you need day-to-day essentials but don’t want to spend much money on them. (I’m not embarrassed to admit that more than half of my silverware, plates, bowls, and glasses came from Dollar Tree–who would even know if I didn’t tell them?)

The dollar store in Japan, however, is an entirely different kind of entity than it is in the United States. I was introduced to Daiso by a friend several years ago, as it has opened several outposts in the USA (and it seems to be expanding its footprint). The location I visited for the first time was in the Bay Area, and just like its counterparts in Japan, it was tidy, well-stocked, orderly, and full of all kinds of goodies that were affordably priced and of good quality. The stores stock a selection of almost everything you can think of (with minimal grocery and clothing sections), and they are a perfect first stop for a short-term expat who needs to pick up, say, some hand soap, a power strip, plastic bags, some Scotch tape, and maybe a little houseplant.

I am sure there are those who would happily level criticisms at Daiso or similar stores, and that’s their prerogative–I’m not an economist, nor do I play one on TV. But when it comes to pure, simple practicality, this is a stop I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend, especially for first-time visitors who need to stock up on basics at a low price.

Footnotes

• 1
  Conservatives like to call these criticisms “elitist,” arguing that dollar stores provide much-needed retail to people who need it, despite growing evidence that these monolithic companies’ buying power simply cannot be competed with at a micro/local level.
• 2
  If you ever find yourself in need of a couple of manila envelopes or bubble mailers, Dollar Tree beats Staples or Walmart every time.