Quality discount household and lifestyle products from Japan
When it comes to stretching your dollar, Daiso is at the top of almost everyone’s list thanks to the sheer variety of quality products that they carry. But besides Daiso, there are a couple of other Japanese discount stores here in Singapore where you can get the most bang for your buck too, whether you’re looking for household items, lifestyle products, or Japanese snacks!
In fact, they even carry merchandises that cannot be found in Daiso, and with all their goods imported from Japan, you can be sure that they’ll be able to last for quite a while. Listed in no particular order, check them out here:
1. Tokutokuya
Located in Suntec City and Westgate, the humble-looking Tokutokuya is discreet and easily missed if you didn’t know that this was a treasure trove full of value-for-money finds.
You’ll have to step in to know that it’s a discount store, and most of the items have no price tag on – this means that they are by default, only $2.
From kitchen, gardening, and utility tools to stationeries, cosmetics, snacks, and quirky knick-knacks like sushi-shaped magnets, you’ll be able to find almost anything here!
They even have oddly specific kinds of cotton buds for every usage, such as ones with pointed tips for touching up makeup, wet types, and even sticky types.
Plus, everyone knows that you can get the Instagram and Tumblr-famous transparent umbrellas at Daiso, but here at Tokutokuya, you can get them in both blue and yellow hues as well, which makes for an even more unique photo!
They even have Hello Kitty spatulas!
Outlets
Address: North Wing #B1-150, Suntec City, 3E Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038984
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM Daily
Address: #B1-16/17, Westgate, 3 Gateway Drive, Singapore 608532
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM Daily
Website
2. Nomi Japan
There’s only 1 Nomi Japan outlet around in Singapore, and right from the moment you lay eyes on it, you’ll see bright red “$2 storewide” signs all over. While it isn’t very big, it is packed full with almost 15,000 lifestyle items and novelty products, and over 100 new merchandises are introduced every month!
Besides the usual glassware, storage containers, DIY crafts, sewing kits, and stationery, we found an interesting yet extremely useful tool to have in the kitchen – Poached Egg Cups! Just crack your egg in there and the egg pouch will keep it intact safely, and then bring it up to scoop out the egg without breaking the yolk.
Poached Egg Cups and a cheese bread-making device that we can’t seem to figure out.
For those with a dramatic flair, keep your eyes peeled for these Glowing Earrings. They come in 2 colours, pink and blue, and are basically mini glow sticks for your ears – perfect for a night out!
Address: #02-219A, Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM Daily
Website
3. 2wo
The smallest of the lot because it is a pop-up store, 2wo is a hidden gem not to be underestimated with a comparably extensive range of products available. Tucked away at Liang Court, I12 Katong, and West Coast Plaza as of now, they offer the usual functional livingware products like homeware, kitchenware, personal necessities, and bathroom items mostly at just $2, and even have some going at less than that!
They have items going at 3 for $2 as well!
The best part about 2wo is that despite its size, it still manages to offer things that other discount stores don’t carry – think never-before-seen Nissin cup noodles flavours like Chili Tomato and Seafood Garlic Shrimp, and acrylic display stands that doubles up perfectly well as makeup organisers!
Do take note that each cup noodle costs $3 instead!
My fellow makeup junkies will know how costly a minimalist makeup organiser like this usually is.
Outlets
Address: #B1-03/04, I12 Katong, 112 East Coast Road, Singapore 428802
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 11AM – 9PM | Fri – Sat: 11AM – 9.30PM
Address: #B1-07, Liang Court, 177 River Valley Road, Singapore 179030
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 11AM – 9PM | Fri – Sat: 11AM – 9.30PM
Address: #B1-18/20, West Coast Plaza, 154 West Coast Road, Singapore 127371
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 11AM – 9PM | Fri – Sat: 11AM – 9.30PM
Website
4. Mijyi
The final $2 wonderland is Mijyi, a bringer of all things practical and quirky from not just Japan, but also Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and America!
The outlet at City Square Mall is currently closed for renovations, but the one at Kallang Leisure Park was just as huge and maze-like – you’ll need at least a good 40 minutes to browse through every aisle.
These erasers come in scents like Cola, Mint, Strawberry Shortcake, and Chocolate Banana!
From cooking pots and detergents to colouring books and toys, most of the items stocked are imported from Japan, and they even have innovative items like food-scented erasers to spice up your desk, and a shampoo hat for young children to prevent soap from getting into their eyes!
Dog owners, take note – because this is made for young children, bigger dogs can actually fit in this too!
Not to mention, Mijyi also has one of the biggest collection of false eyelashes that I’ve ever seen at a discount store. Covering almost an entire rack, they have all sorts possible, from natural-looking ones to more dramatic, voluminous ones, and even varied-length lashes for that Japanese Gyaru or Momoko look!
All the items from America are displayed outside, with some on sale for just $1!
Outlets
Address: #02-01 3 Big Mac Centre, 51 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, Singapore 569922
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11.30AM – 9PM | Sat – Sun: 10AM – 9.30PM
Address: #02-02, Kallang Leisure Park, 15 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397694
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM Daily
Website
